Budimir’s Efforts Keep Osasuna in the Contest for Europe

In an exhilarating showdown of LaLiga EA Sports’ twenty-seventh day, Osasuna emerged victorious against Deportivo Alavés with a lone goal netted by Croatian Ante Budimir, in the match held at El Sadar on Monday. The hard-fought win has propelled Jagoba Arrasate’s squad closer to the coveted spots that grant access to European competition.

The first half of the match in Pamplona was marked by a frenzied pace. The Basque team, representing Osasuna, signaled their intent early in the game with a pair of potential scoring opportunities, courtesy of their Uruguayan player, Carlos Benavídez, and Jon Guridi. However, the injuries of Kike Barja, around the 15-minute mark, and Moroccan player Abdel Abqar at the 23rd minute, representing the home team and the visitors respectively, dramatically altered the dynamics of the game.

Despite these setbacks, the Navarrese team remained undeterred. Lucas Torró’s striking shot and David García’s resolute header heightened the intensity of the encounter. Antonio Sivera, the goalkeeper for Alavés, managed to keep his team afloat with two crucial saves, one from a shot by Aimar Oroz and another from an attempt by Budimir. In the dying moments of the first half, Samu Omorodion’s shot ricocheted off the post, marking the most clear-cut chance of the initial 45-minute period.

The second half kicked off with Sergio Herrera, the goalkeeper of Osasuna, effectively blocking Luis Rioja’s and Samu’s shots from the outskirts of the penalty area. In a swift response, the Alavés’ goalkeeper reciprocated by deflecting Rubén García’s point-blank shot.

Yet, in the 76th minute, Ante Budimir’s brilliance proved to be too much for Sivera. The Croatian player unleashed a shot from outside the area, aiming for the top corner, and successfully lodged the ball in the back of the net, thus securing the three points for his team.

With this victory, the red-clad team, Osasuna, has now won three of their last four matches and remains unbeaten in their last four outings. This impressive run has seen them amass a total of 36 points, putting them just six points shy of the European qualifying spots. Meanwhile, Alavés, despite their spirited performance, remains winless in their last five matches, leaving them with 29 points, which is ten points clear of the relegation zone.