Osasuna Tops Celta 2-1 on the Road to Extend Strong Run

Los Rojillos continue their strong run with three wins and one draw in the last four games

Club Atletico Osasuna (8-5-10, 29 points) topped Celta Vigo (8-9-6, 33 points) 2-1 on the road at Abanca Balaídos on Friday night. Forward Ante Budimir handed the lead to Los Rojillos in the first half, but early in the second half forward Borja Iglesias equalized from the penalty spot after the referee ratified his call, despite a VAR review for a foul in the buildup involving a stomp on midfielder Rubén García. The Navarrese side did not back down, and forward Raúl García scored the winner to keep the team’s positive momentum going. Now Osasuna has extended its run with three wins and one draw in the last four matches.

Celta controlled more of the possession in the first half, but Osasuna was well organized and looked to threaten on the break through forwards Raúl Moro, Victor Muñoz and Budimir. In the 14th minute, goalkeeper Sergio Herrera made a key save in a one-on-one situation against midfielder Hugo Álvarez, the home side’s best chance of the half.

As the match progressed, the game became more balanced and Osasuna began to approach the Celta penalty area through wide deliveries, though none found a finishing touch. In one of those sequences, a defender appeared to clear the ball with his elbow, but neither the referee nor VAR awarded a penalty.

Osasuna was forced into an early substitution when defender Enzo Boyomo left the match with an injury. Just before halftime, Moro found space down the right flank and delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where Budimir rose to head home and make it 1-0. Osasuna controlled the closing minutes of the half and limited Celta’s chances before the break.

Just after the break, the referee awarded Celta a penalty. VAR reviewed the play for a potential foul in the buildup after a clear stomp on García, but the decision stood and Iglesias converted from the spot to level the match.

Los Rojillos quickly regained control and pushed forward, though they struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. Defender Alejandro Catena went down in the box after contact, but once again neither the referee nor VAR awarded a penalty. The match remained even as substitutions came for both sides, and Celta had a chance through forward Williot Swedberg, but Herrera made another strong save.

Osasuna continued to press and were rewarded in the 78th minute. After a series of crosses, Raul finished from close range following a headed pass from Catena to restore the lead at 2-1. Celta pushed for an equalizer in the final minutes, but Osasuna’s defense held firm, and Herrera produced another crucial stop on a late effort from forward Iago Aspas to secure the win.

Osasuna’s next match will be Friday, Feb. 13, at 9 p.m., away to Elche at Estadio Martinez Valero in Matchday 24 of LaLiga EA Sports.