Osasuna Fights Until the End, Earns Late Point at El Sadar

Osasuna equalizes Mallorca with two goals in five minutes

Osasuna salvaged a point in stoppage time against Mallorca after rallying from a 2-0 deficit at El Sadar on Saturday afternoon. The home side showed great character in the final stretch, scoring twice through midfielder Kike Barja and forward Ante Budimir in five minutes to earn a draw after Muriqi’s brace for Mallorca.

Osasuna started the match looking to create danger with crosses, especially from the left side through defender Javi Galán’s runs to the byline, and some incursions into the box by forward Víctor Muñoz, but they failed to trouble goalkeeper Leo Román in goal. As the minutes passed, the visitors matched Osasuna’s intensity, and in the 35th minute, Muriqi put the visitors ahead after a long ball from defender Martín Valjent. Shortly after, midfielder Pablo Torre had another good chance for Mallorca with a header that forced a fine save from goalkeeper Sergio Herrera.

After halftime, Los Rojillos came out pressing high and looking to unsettle Mallorca. However, in the 61st minute, Mallorca launched a swift counterattack as midfielder Sergi Darder set up Muriqi, who scored his second of the match.

Following Mallorca’s second goal, the Navarrese side pushed forward and, after a local build-up, forward Jan Virgili was sent off for a foul on forward Raúl Moro. Osasuna made attacking changes and, despite a red card to forward Raúl García following a VAR review, kept pushing for goals, with Budimir seeing one ruled out for offside. In the 89th minute, Muñoz sent in a cross that forward Kike Barja turned into the net. With nine minutes of stoppage time, the home fans rallied behind the home side, and chances kept coming. Finally, a great pass from midfielder Moi Gómez found Budimir, who finished with his left foot to level the score. Osasuna pressed for a winner late on, with shots from Muñoz and Gómez, but did not make it to the back of the net.

The team’s next match is Sunday, March 15, at 9 p.m. against Real Sociedad at Reale Arena.