Osasuna Defeats Rayo Vallecano, 2-0, at El Sadar

Forwards Raúl García and Iker Benito led Osasuna to victory, securing three points after a strong overall performance.

Club Atlético Osasuna (2-0-2, 6 points) defeated Rayo Vallecano (1-1-2, 4 points), 2-0, at El Sadar on Sunday afternoon. An early goal by forward Raúl García and a late goal by forward Iker Benito, combined with solid defensive play, helped Osasuna maintain a clean sheet and win the three points.

García scored his fourth career goal against Rayo Vallecano, having scored in four of the five matches played against the Vallecas side. Benito's goal was his first with Osasuna's first team and his inaugural goal in La Liga EA Sports.

Osasuna dominated the first half, playing with high intensity and creating several chances. In the ninth minute, forward Víctor Muñoz got past defender Luiz Felipe and fired a shot that goalkeeper Augusto Batalla saved. Just six minutes later, García capitalized on a poor clearance, executing an acrobatic maneuver to find the net and give Osasuna the lead. Rayo Vallecano attempted to respond with an equalizer, but it was disallowed due to offside. Half an hour into the match, Muñoz faced Batalla one-on-one after a strong break, but the goalkeeper made another crucial save. Just before halftime, midfielder Jorge De Frutos fired a shot from inside the box, hitting the post.

After the break, Rayo Vallecano intensified their efforts to equalize, but Osasuna’s robust defensive play proved effective. Los Rojillos created the first chance of the half when defender Abel Bretones tested Batalla with a left-footed shot that was saved. Rayo made several substitutions in hopes of closing the gap, but Osasuna's defense held strong. In the 78th minute, midfielder Jon Moncayola found Benito in open space. After great control and a run, Benito scored his first goal with the first team, sealing a superb overall performance from the Navarre side.

Osasuna will now prepare for its next match against Villarreal, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20, at La Cerámica stadium, with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. CET (5:30 p.m. BST / 12:30 p.m. ET).