Osasuna-Betis, it's the final countdown

 
Good afternoon, dear Osasunists! After almost 38 articles this season, one for each match of Osasuna, though I know that I missed some of them, this is the most important article in my three years as a blogger. One single match! Osasuna and its future depends on 90 minutes and a result.
Something similar happened yesterday afternoon for the title of La Liga, but when the relegation posts are the issue of the match, it is even more dramatic. Atletico de Madrid, CONGRATULATIONS, and Barça played for the championship at Camp Nou, but apart from a regeneration on the dressing room in Barcelona or a new chapter on their myth "El Pupas" in Atletico, they didn't risk much more.
Osasuna have been playing with fire for a long time. Now they have been in First Division for 14 seasons in a row, and after starting this season very badly and therefore the club changed coach, Javi Gracia took up Mendilibar, the team seemed to play a good football and even they won the actual champion at El Sadar, which actually was the last match that Osasuna won at El Sadar up to now!
Last Saturday, Osasuna had one of their last opportunities to save the season, but again they failed. Some people say that the nerves and the pity of Espanyol coach, Javier Aguirre, and his players saved the team to be already relegated. Besides, the last goal in the 93 minute of this afternoon rival, Betis, against Valladolid helped. Some Osasuna players and supporters now say that Betis players will come relaxed and unmotivated this afternoon, but I think that Betis are playing their best football now that they are relegated. I believe that extramotivation in the sense of money is one of the reasons, but another is that many players need to find a market to keep their salaries as they used to have this season or get a new team to play with the best in La Liga.
There are many comments on the success of the "poors" with Atletico against the powerful Barça or Mandril, but nobody says that Osasuna has got the lowest budget of all the implicated teams in relegation posts. It is clear that Osasuna players and his coach, Javi Gracia, must keep an eye on other teams and stadiums this afternoon, but what I think is that they must learn from yesterday and Atletico as they did their best with all the odds against.
Osasuna must play as there is no future if they lose. Those who are in the kickoff team must be concentrated and prepared to give their 200% and die in the field. Osasuna supporters cannot do anything else but fill in the stadium and push our players with the support we showed for 19 games home and away alike.
As it happens most of the years at the end of the season, there are goodbyes in the stadiums. Today there is a very important and undesired one at El Sadar: Patxi Puñal retires! The Great Captain after Cesar Crutxaga retires, and he wants to leave Osasuna in First Division. Cesar got it and I hope Patxi will do the same.
POSSIBLE KICKOFF TEAMS
Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Marc Bertrán, Arribas, Miguel Flaño, Damiá; Cejudo, Puñal, Lolo, Roberto Torres; Acuña, Oriol Riera.
Betis: Adán; Juanfran, Perquis, Jordi Figueras, Chica; Lolo Reyes, N'Diaye; Vadillo, Salva Sevilla, Cedrick; Rubén Castro.
GORA OSASUNA! AUPA ROJILLOS!

Espanyol-Osasuna, lived or dead

Good afternoon, dear Osasunists! It is one of the most important days in the history of Osasuna, as the club is in the edge of being relegated to Second Division if players do not win at Cornellá or get at least a point in their visit to RCD Espanyol, which is not completely safe yet. Osasuna need to win their last two games in Barcelona and Pamplona against Espanyol and the already Second Division team for next season, Betis.
On the other hand, Espanyol play against Osasuna and finish the season in Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu, which may be a match for a Liga. Therefore, both team know that this game is the key one to stay in First Division, so both clubs have devoted policies to be supporters by their people so far. Osasuna players and the club paid the tickets for 600 Osasunists to give them strength.

There have been too many mistakes in the last games in Osasuna. When everybody thought that relegation was over and the next season in First Division was about to be prepared, Osasuna lost their games at El Sadar against Celta and Valladolid.
Javier Gracia, Osasuna's coach, travels to Barcelona without Raoul Loé, but with the incorporation of Manuel Ortiz "Lolo" after a month muscular injury. There are many doubts about the kickoff team, but every single Osasuna player must play their best football and give their 150% of their strength, overall the forwards Riera and Acuña, though all players may score ( even though Osasuna is one of the least goal maker teams in La Liga ).

KICKOFF TEAMS:
RCD Espanyol: Kiko Casilla; Javi López, Colotto, Héctor Moreno, Fuentes; David López, Víctor Sánchez; Stuani, Jhon Córdoba, Simao, Sergio García.
At. Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Marc Bertrán, Arribas, Miguel Flaño, Damià; De las Cuevas, Lolo, Silva, Roberto Torres; Acuña, Oriol Riera.
GORA OSASUNA! AUPA ROJILLOS!

Osasuna-Celta, to be or not to be!

Good morning, dear Osasunists! Today is the D day, but victory at El Sadar is absent since a long time ago. Last time that the Little Reds won in our stadium was on 23rd February against the now so powerful Atletico de Madrid, which was beaten ( 3-0 ) by a weak about-to-be -relegated team like Osasuna.
 From then up to now, Osasuna lost against Malaga and Sevilla in Pamplona, three teams got a draw at El Sadar (Real Sociedad, Valladolid and Valencia). And today there must be another important decissive victory against Celta to confirm their post for La Liga next season. Although figures say that Osasuna will avoid relegation with three more points, Javi Gracia and his players want to gain the main goal before playing against Espanyol in Barcelona or the last day against a team already in Second Division: Betis.

Unfortunately, Osasuna supporters aren't calm or confident on their team as the team have only won five games at El Sadar in all the season, and on the other hand they lost six games at their home stadium. Osasuna seem to be a better team as a visitor as they got 20 out of their 35 points away from El Sadar.

Everybody has marked this date in red as it is essential to win to achieve that figure which seems to be enough to be safe. Celta won Valladolid last weekend and got to continue in La Liga next season at the same time that they gave Osasuna a hand as they are our enemies to avoid relegation. Osasuna was defeated in Madrid as it was expected, but the image was very poor and that is very worrying for a supporter.
Anyway, Osasuna supporters must go on until the end of the season with their shouting and encouragement with the team. We must fill the stadium and make the rival feel our support to Osasuna. Javie Gracia, Osasuna's coach appeals for a complete unconditional support this evening at El Sadar to get the victory all together. The club has added a video in the social networks to cheer up Osasunists!
Possible Kickoff teams:
Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Marc Bertrán, Arribas, Miguel Flaño, Damià; Puñal, Silva; Cejudo, De las Cuevas, Roberto Torres; Oriol Riera.
Celta: Sergio Álvarez; Jonny, Cabral, Fontás, Aurtenetxe; Madinda, Alex López, Augusto Fernández; Nolito, Santi Mina, Bermejo.
GORA OSASUNA! AUPA ROJILLOS!

Osasuna-Valencia, Passion before Easter Sunday

Good morning, dear Osasunists! Today we have a football Saturday afternoon on the previous day for Easter Sunday, called Day of Resurrection in Spain.

Osasuna need to resurrect before the season is over. There are few opportunities left and the team has to win the points at El Sadar to avoid relegation. It is clear that Salvation is in their hands and probably Osasuna will get their aim of the season if they win Valencia C.F. this afternoon.

El Sadar is waiting to see a victory of the home team as we haven't watched it in the last four games celebrated in our stadium. There is a sense of a lost opportunity from last game against Valladolid, a direct rival in the relegation race, and today the visitor is a team that fight for a European post.

Since the game against the powerful possible Champion of La Liga Atletico de Madrid ( 3-0 ) on the last 23rd Febraury, supporters at El Sadar have just seen two draw games and two defeats. Nevertheless, "the little reds" ( los rojillos ) have added 5 points from the last possible 9, and the best of all that is those points were obtained against direct rivals, so the goalaverage is in favour of Osasuna.

Javi Gracia may not make any change in the kickoff team that got a draw against Valladolid, but it is good news to hear that Armenteros can be used and only the long-term injured, Lolo and Sisi are in the nurse's office.

On the other hand, Valencia travel to Pamplona with their minds in the semifinal of the Europe League against Sevilla next Thursday, but they must also think of their posts to play that competition next season, which are occupied by Real Sociedad and Sevilla too.

Possible kickoff teams:

Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Marc Bertrán, Arribas, Miguel Flaño, Damià; Raoul Loé, Silva; Cejudo, De las Cuevas, Roberto Torres; Oriol Riera.

Valencia: Guaita, Pereira, Vezo, Mathieu, Bernat, Keita, Parejo, Feghouli, Cartabia, Vargas, Paco Alcácer.
GORA OSASUNA!AUPA ROJILLOS!

Osasuna Valladolid, a confrontation for Second Division

 
Good evening, dear Osasunists! First I have to apologize for my absence last week against Almeria, but I had to travel urgently and I could just watch the second half when our team suffered to conquer three very important points which will count nothing if the team don't win this evening against Valladolid.
Osasuna put an end to their bad luck when they won at Los Juegos del Mediterraneo stadium ( 1-2 ) against a direct rival to avoid relegation such as Almeria. But Osasuna have another direct rival as a visitor tonight. After getting 4 points in the last possible 21, Osasuna must take into account that there are four games at home out of the last six games of the season.
Valladolid is only two points down from Osasuna and as we won the goalaverage with Almeria, it is important to give a value to the victory at Jose Zorrilla stadium ( 0-1 ) at the beginning of the season.
Another issue is that Osasuna play at El Sadar the next two games: Valladolid and Valencia. El Sadar must be that "boiling pot" ( olla a presión ) which push the team to score when their strength is low and the rivals must feel scared to go closer to the wings or the goals. Javi Gracia, Osasuna's coach, knows the importance of the supporters and it is expected that the stadium will be full of red supporters after a reducing tickets special offer from the club.
Besides, Osasuna players have to bear in mind that their rivals usually play against Real Madrid after playing against "The Reds", but Valladolid will have to put off their confrontation as Ancelotti's team play in the Champions and the confrontation will be next 7th May.
It is clear that at this moment of the season, all teams involved in relegation posts must make their numbers and have an eye on their rivals' confrontations of the week. Osasuna is one of the teams that depend on themselves. Let's continue with the winning streak or the good luck!
Possible kickoff teams:
Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Marc Bertrán, Loties, Arribas, Damià; Raoul Loé, Silva; Cejudo, De las Cuevas, Roberto Torres; Oriol Riera.
Valladolid: Jaime; Rukavina, Rueda, Valiente, Peña; Rubio, Víctor Pérez, Larsson, Óscar, Bergdich, Javi Guerra.
GORA OSASUNA! AUPA ROJILLOS!

Osasuna-Real Sociedad, a Basque derby for different targets

Good morning, dear Osasunists! Our mood is sad and hopeless as our team losts their advantage with the relegation posts in the last five games home and away, and the next rival is a neighbour who is not in their best moment either: Real Sociedad and besides, they haven't won at El Sadar since 2002. Therefore, there is hope for a reverse situation and the perfect moment is this Sunday.

It is true that the relegation posts are only one point away, but it is also important for Osasuna to see that there will be confrontations between teams in danger and Osasuna can make a profit of that situation. Our rival for Sunday has other targets as Real Sociedad are struggling to go to Europe again next season , either to the Champion League, which is 7 points away, or the Europe League, whose main rival is 9 points down.

Although Joseba's players and supporters haven't got over from the bad results as they have lost three of the last five games in La Liga and they want to make a profit of the confrontation between Atletico and Athletic this Saturday evening to get closer to their neighbours from Bilbao. There is hope for Osasuna as Real Sociedad haven't won in their games away from Anoeta stadium in all 2014. Only when they visited Malaga they won and got a draw in their visit to Getafe. There are doubts in the game of Joseba's players and Osasuna must win to avoid the relegation posts.

Possible kickoff teams:
Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Oier, Loties, Arribas, Damià; Loe, Puñal, Francisco Silva; Cejudo, Roberto Torres and Oriol Riera.
Real Sociedad: Bravo; Zaldúa, Ansotegi, Iñigo Martínez, Jose Ángel; Bergara, Rubén Pardo; Carlos Vela, Canales, Griezmann; Agirretxe.

GORA OSASUNA!AUPA ROJILLOS!

Osasuna-Sevilla, 10 finals which start today

 
Good morning, dear Osasunists! Sevilla F.C. visits Pamplona after beating their hatred neighbour at Liga Europa last Thursday in an intense match with extra-time and penalties included. Also, in the home championship, Unai Emery's team are in their best moment, as they have won their last four games to reach the so-called last European post: 7th.

 It is true that after that exhausting game against Betis to get classified for quarter finals in Liga Europa, they may think that their comfortable position in La Liga let them rest for a day and think of their next rival in Europe, as Valencia C.F., their followers are 8 points behind. Besides, the fifth position is only two points away and as we know the Basque coach, he will force his players to fight for the last post for the Champions League up to the end of the season.

Therefore, Sevilla is a very dangerous rival for Osasuna at El Sadar. They have nothing to lose and a lot to win. However, El Sadar is an evil stadium for the club of La Giralda, as they have only won once in their last 13 games played in Pamplona. It was in the season 2009-10, when Kanouté and Negredo scored for the last three points got at El Sadar.
 In the last two confrontations, Osasuna and Sevilla played very important games, overall for the LITTLE REDS ( LOS ROJILLOS ) as they avoided relegation ( 2-1 ) last year before visiting Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu in the last game of the season. Three years before, the situation was similar as they ended the season in Madrid, but there were three games left by then. The games were won in extremis as last year Puñal and Cejudo's goal had to overcome the previous goal of Negredo. Nevertheless, in 2010 it was even worse as the score was 1-2 for Sevilla and Osasuna were heading to Second Division, when in the minute 87 Kike Sola scored his second goal and Leka, in extremis, in the last minute scored the salvation goal, a chimera just three minutes before. GORA OSASUNA! AUPA ROJILLOS!

Osasuna in the final countdown of El Clasico

Good afternoon, dear Osasunists! This is one of the weekends when tradition mixes with football, and when I have crossed feelings for the match of Osasuna.F.C. Barcelona is running of time to catch the first team in La Liga to win the championship. Overall, the home team must show their skills and power to defeat a minor team like Osasuna, but as they lost in Zorrilla last weekend, Osasuna can get another surprise!

Gracia's players don't have anything to lose in this game and moreover, they have to struggle to get a point as they have lost their last two games in La Liga, one away, in Valencia against Levante(2-0) and at El Sadar against Málaga (0-2). Therefore, the relegation posts are closer than two weeks ago and the season is dying out. It is true that Osasuna were unlucky in their last match against Malaga, with a lot of failed occasions near the goal.

Nevertheless, Osasuna is still a weak team at home and they missed a good opportunity to reach a comfortable post in La Liga. As always, our team must get used to struggling for a position in First Division from now to the end of the season. There is always a place for surprise at El Camp Nou, as it happened on 23th May 2.009, when Osasuna won with Pandiani's goal and also the last draw at El Sadar (0-0) gives hope to the team for a good result in this visit to Barcelona.

On the other hand, Martino and his men have been on the spot for a week after their defeat in Valladolid and the anxiety to win against Manchester City in the Champions League. Besides, there are many issues in the club of Les Corts that players get distracted: Messi's injures or health problems, Neymar's court issues, Pujol, Iniesta, Valdes,...all these things are more important in the city, even more than the Nationalism Issue, than the match aginst Osasuna.
Another issue is El Clasico, the match against Ancelotti's team, which will be played next Sunday and when most people think that La Liga will be won or lost. Anyway, the team from La Castellana did their homework last night against Malaga, but Barcelona's players must be willing to satisfy their supporters and park their confrontations with their coach, Martino. However, it is expected to have the well-known "rotations" before "the match of the year": Bartra for Piqué, Montoya for Alves, Xavi for Cesc, etc...But Osasuna's coach would like to have those doubts for his kickoff list!

Kickoff lists:
Barcelona: Valdes; Montoya, Bartra, Mascherano, Alba; Busquets, Iniesta, Cesc; Pedro, Messi and Neymar.
At. Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Oier Sanjurjo, Loties, Arribas, Damiá; Silva, Lolo; Cejudo, Torres, Armenteros; Oriol Riera.
GORA OSASUNA! AUPA ROJILLOS!

Levante-Osasuna, Carnival time to disguise

 
Good morning, dear Osasunists! This afternoon Osasuna play in Valencia against Levante at the stadium of Ciutat de València, where two teams will confront their good moment in La Liga as the home players have not lost a game in the last seven weeks and the visitors have added seven out of the nine last possible points.

After those figures, it is clear that Levante have improved a lot since the start of the season and their position in La Liga is out of the dangerous positions and just two points away of the posts that give a passport to Europe.

On the other hand, Osasuna players did their best in all the games played in La Liga this season last Sunday at El Sadar against Atletico ( 3-0 ) and supporters expect to see a continuation of that game as a victory would get closer the final target of the season: avoiding relegation, and the three points would reach the rival of the day: Levante.

The defences will play a very important role in both teams. Andres Fernandez didn't have to take any football from his goals in the last three matches and Levante haven't lost since last January against Valencia at Mestalla ( 2-0 ).

As we always say, Osasuna is a powerful team away from El Sadar with three victories against Málaga (0-1), Valladolid (0-1) and Betis (1-2). Javier Gracia's team got a draw against Celta (1-1), Granada (0-0), and Elche (0-0). Besides Caparros's team have only obtained four victories out of twelve games played at Ciutat de Valencia stadium: RCD Espanyol (3-0), Elche (2-1), Málaga (1-0) and Almería (1-0).

As we usually say lately, the goalaverage is another important issue now. Levante won at (0-1) in the last minutes of the match played at El Sadar and there is a kind of revenge in the Navarrian team. The results in Valencia are in favour of Osasuna as "los rojillos" ( The Little Reds ) have won three of the last six games played in that stadium in La Liga in First Division, and the last two visits ended with the same final score ( 0-2 ).
Possible kickoff teams:
Levante: Navas; Vyntra, Navarro, Juanfran, Nikos, Rubén, Diop, Mate, Ivanschitz, Víctor, Barral.
Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Oier Sanjurjo, Arribas, Loties, Damiá; Silva, Lolo; Cejudo, Torres, Armenteros; Oriol Riera.

Osasuna-At.Madrid, a match for the leadership or relegation

 
Good afternoon, dear Osasunists! This evening we have a candidate for La Liga championship as a visitor at El Sadar: Atletico de Madrid, with his star Diego Costa as the main character in the last two visits with five goals that gave Simeone's team the three points in both confrontations ( 2-3 ) and (0-2) . As a matter of fact, Atletico haven't lost in their last five years.

Simeone's team is playing a nice football and their figures are the best in their history: 60 points and their scoring figures are astonishing, being the team with the least goals against ( 16 ) and with very good results in La Liga, the last victory against Valladolid ( 3-0 ) and in Milan in the Champions League.

It is true that a week ago the results were disappointing and the doubts came out for a everlasting candidate to do big things in football. They must get the three points to follow their hatred rival in Madrid and after the defeat of Barça in San Sebastian yesterday night.

El Sadar, our stadium must become a strong fortified field for Atletico and continue the way Osasuna confronted the powerfukl Real Madrid and Barcelone, whose results were just a draw against Javi Gracia's team: Real Madrid (2-2) and Barcelona (0-0).

On the other hand, Osasuna have also overcome from their game crisis after their defeats against Athletic ( 1-5 ) and Villarreal ( 3-1 ). They won against a direct rival to avoid relegation at El Sadar, Getafe ( 2-0 ) and got a draw in Elche ( 0-0 ).

Osasuna supporters will see again a desired loved player at El Sadar: Raul Garcia, who helps Diego Costa and Villa to score very good goals, and he also scores very good and important goals. Osasuna misses a player like Raul, but it seems that Oriol Riera's goals are helping us to forget the lack of a good midfielder.

Javi Gracia, Osasuna's coach, can't use Puñal or De Las Cuevas, injured, and it seems taht he will repeat the same kickoff team as in Elche.

KICKOFF TEAMS:

Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Marc Bertrán, Arribas, Loties, Damiá; Silva, Lolo; Cejudo, Torres, Armenteros; Oriol Riera.
Atlético de Madrid: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godín, Filipe; Arda, Gabi, Mario, Koke; Raúl García, Diego Costa.

GORA OSASUNA! AUPA ROJILLOS!

Elche-Osasuna, let's fall in love!

 
Good morning, dear Osasunists!Elche and Osasuna are celebrating this special day for lovers with a new match in La Liga and they are going to play an intense nervous game to avoid relegation for next season.

Fran Escribá, Elche's coach is aware of the complexity of the confrontation as Osasuna is a hard team to play as a visitor and Osasuna is very comfortable away from El Sadar. Besides, Osasuna players are eager to get more points and broaden their gap with the relegation posts. They won last game in El Sadar against Getafe ( 2-0 ) and they seem to have forgotten their defeats against Athletic (1-5) and Villarreal (3-1).

When Osasuna players are nervous, anxious or don't move the ball from one side to other, they suffer with their rivals. It is true that as visitors Osasuna won against Málaga (0-1), Valladolid (0-1) and Betis (1-2), and got a point against Celta (1-1) and Granada (0-0).

On the other hand, Elche have won four matches at their stadium: Espanyol (2-1), Valencia (2-1), Rayo Vallecano (2-0) and Almería (1-0), but they got a draw three times and lost five matches. Besides, as it happened last week against Getafe, it is very important to bear in mind the goalaverage and the first round game. Now Osasuna is ahead Getafe as Osasuna lost 2-1 in Madrid, but they won 2-0 at El Sadar. Therefore, as Osasuna won in Pamplona 2-1 against Elche, it would be great to get a point or even to win in the Mediterranean field.

Javi Gracia, Osasuna's coach, can't use De las Cuevas and Puñal, as they got injured and it seems that Torres and Lolo will substitute them.

Posible kickoff teams:
Elche: Toño, Damián Suárez o Sapunaru, Lombán, Botía, Edu Albacar, Manu del Moral, Rubén Pérez, Rivera or Carlos Sánchez, Fidel, Coro, Cristian Herrera.
Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Marc Bertrán, Loties, Arribas, Damiá; Silva, Lolo; Cejudo, Torres, Armenteros; Oriol Riera.

LET'S FALL IN LOVE OSASUNISTS! GORA OSASUNA! AUPA ROJILLOS!

Osasuna-Getafe, do finals start for avoiding relegation?

 
Good morning, dear Osasunists! We have a new football day in Pamplona on a Sunday morning, which I considered the best time for the youngest supporters and their families to go to the stadiums. One issue that was in the press room this week when Javi Gracia wanted us, the supporters, to be in El Sadar as he knows La Liga goes ahead.

The visitor at El Sadar today is Getafe, a team that has got the same figures as Osasuna and the new year has been a bad beginning as they haven't won a single match yet. They aren't good scorers either as they haven't scored a goal in their last five games. The difference between Osasuna and Getafe is just three points and three goals ahead for the team in Madrid and the game this morning is a key onfrontation for both team as if Osasuna win, they will reach Getafe in the Liga Classification.

Players and coach in Osasuna know that this game is very important for the future and as the relegation posts are two points ahead and Rayo and Almeria won yesterday, the gap is becoming even narrower. We must consider this confrontation as the matches against the powerful teams of Real madrid and Barça, as they suffered in El Sadar and just got a draw, and other weaker teams got the three points.

Javi Gracia mustn't take this game as another training season or a revolution in the kickoff team. The championship is ahead enough to have a "desired" team for a coach, and apart from injured or sanctioned players, it is time to use the most prepared fit players with a high level of commitment in the target and the meaning of Osasuna in La Liga. Orion Riera must be in the kickoff team and Patxi Puñal too. Remember Osasuna lost 2-1 at El Coliseum in Getafe, for the goalaverage and so.

GORA OSASUNA!AUPA ROJILLOS!

A possible kickoff teams:
Osasuna: Andrés; Marc, Lotiès, Arribas y Damià; Silva, Lolo; Cejudo, De las Cuevas, Armenteros; Riera.
Getafe: Moyá; Arroyo, Rafa, Lisandro, Lago; Borja, Mosquera; Pedro León, Sarabia, Castro; Ciprian.

Villarreal-Osasuna, time to cheer up the supporters!

 

Good evening, dear Osasunists! Villarreal and Osasuna give an end to this "weekend" games at El Madrigal stadium. Both teams have opposite goals from the very beginning of the season and tonight isn't different: Villarreal struggle to reach Champions positions and Osasuna suffer to escape from the relegation posts.

Even when the Mediterranean team is back in First Division this season, it is a powerful team with experienced players and the classification marks a gap of 15 points between Osasuna and Villarreal. But last weekend was an awful result for both teams as they lost their confrontations, but it was more painful for Osasuna as they lost against one of their hatred neighbours, Athletic Bilbao ( 1-5 ).

Osasuna must add points and recover from last defeat. It is a good opportunity as Gracia's team used to offer a better image away from El Sadar at least in the last month, which helped Osasuna leave the relegation post five points away, but now that red line is just three points away. Osasuna need to be stronger in their defence line and play with the ball as they used to do it previously.

The results are even better away from Pamplona than in our stadium. Osasuna won in Málaga (0-1), Valladolid (0-1) and Sevilla against Betis (1-2), got one point against Celta (1-1) and Granada (0-0).
Although Villarreal isn't a direct rival for relegation posts, but it is interesting to remember that the defeat in Pamplona against Villarreal ( 0-3 ) had the consequence of the destitution of Mendilibar, the former coach in Osasune and the club signed up a new contract with the actual coach, Javier Gracia. There has been a positive change in the team since then and players must show that last weekend defeat against Athletic was just a mistake or nightmare for us, thir supporters.

Finally, we have to remind that last 31st January the winter market closed with no news in our club. Just Ion Echaide left the club towards Hercules, from Alicante and Osasuna signed up Acuña. But neither Loe nor Silva have left the club, though the last one seems to be about to pack to China. All in all, what the team and the club need is calmness, unity and support from us, their supporters, to avoid relegation post tonight and all the games left from now to the end of the season.

Posible kickoff teams:
Villarreal: Asenjo, Mario, Musacchio, Dorado, Jaume Costa, Pina, Trigueros, Aquino, Moi Gómez, Uche; Gio dos Santos.
Osasuna: Fernández; Bertrán, Flaño, Loties, Damiá; Puñal, Lolo; Cejudo, De las Cuevas, Armenteros; Oriol Riera

GORA OSASUNA! AUPA ROJILLOS!

Osasuna-Athletic Bilbao, two different needs for a derby!

Good afternoon, dear Osasunists! Osasuna and Athletic are playing this afternoon at El Sadar again in an intense antagonist confrontation between two neighbours with different targets in La Liga. Osasuna needs to continue on the improvement of the game and their position in the championship and the team from Bilbao needds a victory to confirm their wish to be in the next Champions League.

After an uncertain start in La Liga, Osasuna has achieved five consecutive games without losing and the relegation post are quite far away to demand a better result than the last confrontations with our hatred rival from Bilbao. It is well known the policy between the two clubs and how the powerful rich club in Bilbao usually "takes" the most valuable players from Navarre to play with its colours.

The matches between both team in history are in favour for the Bizcayans: 14 wins, 11 draws and only 6 defeats in Pamplona. Anyway, history is different from the actuality. Osasuna comes from a draw in Granada (0-0), and except for Sisi, the whole team is ready to be used by the coach, Javier Gracia.

On the other hand, Athletic plays this game away after losing (1-0) in Copa del Rey against Atletico in Madrid and their doubts to get many goals away from their "Cathedral" and they haven't scored in this beginning of the year as visitors. Although there has been a huge resentment in Pamplona for the use of players born in Navarre and former players in Osasuna, it seems that there will be only two Navarrians players in the kickoff team from Bilbao and none played previously with the "Reds". But, that is not enough to hate Athletic and their players in El Sadar and the extra wish to beat that team for Osasuna supporters!

Alineaciones probables:
Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Marc Bertrán, Loties, Arribas, Damiá; Silva, Lolo; Cejudo, De las Cuevas, Armenteros; Oriol Riera.
Athletic: Iraizoz; Iraola, Gurpegui, Laporte, Balenziaga; Iturraspe, Rico, Herrera; Susaeta, Aduriz, Ibai.

GORA OSASUNA! AUPA ROJILLOS!

Granada-Osasuna, the goalaverage is important!

Good afternoon, dear Osasunists! Today is Saturday and football is back again, and after La Copa is La Liga in our hearts! Osasuna starts the second round of the championship away, in Granada, at Los Carmenes stadium and there is a need of recovering the goalaverage with a possible rival for the end of the tournament and the avoid of relegation.

Osasuna played in the week in La Copa against Real Madrid at El Sadar and they were eliminated in a poor match that ended in the minute 20 when Cristiano scored another goal at our stadium. Now we must forget La Copa until next season and focus on broadening the gap between those teams in relegation posts and Osasuna, on the 13th post and with 21 points, five points ahead.

If we don't bear in mind that elimination in Copa del Rey, Osasuna hasn't lost any confrontation from their last four, when they beat Espanyol and Betis and got a draw with Celta and Real Madrid at El Sadar.

On the other hand, Granada is a powerful rival, as Gracia said and they are in a good position too. They have probably played one of their best games last weekend against Valladolid (4-0). One of their best lines is the forward and they showed their danger at El Sadar in the first match of the season ( 1-2 ). Let's think that we have to reconquer a kingdom, like 500 years ago, and show the strenght of a new Reyno de Navarra. Remember that next rival at our stadium is another hatred rival: Athletic de Bilbao. But that will be another story!

Possible kickoff teams:
Granada CF: Roberto; Nyom, Mainz, Murillo, Angulo; Iturra; Piti, Recio, Fran Rico, Brahimi; El Arabi. Osasuna: Riesgo; Marc Bertrtán, Arribas, Loties, Damiá; Silva, Lolo, Cejudo, De las Cuevas, Torres; Oriol Riera.

GORA OSASUNA! AUPA ROJILLOS!

Osasuna-Real Madrid, and the golden ball is for...!!!

 

Good evening, dear Osasunists! Tonight there is football at El Sadar and an old hatred rival is visiting our home for the second leg in Copa del Rey: Real Madrid. The confrontation in Madrid finished with the victory of Ancelotti's team ( 2-0 ), but I think there's a relaxing atmosphere in the powerful side, overall after the ceremony of the Golden Ball yesterday.

 

On the other hand, Osasuna is in a very good mood and situation. There is nothing to lose and a lot to win as nobody gives a damn for us to go for the next leg. Besides, Javier Gracia's team has parked La Liga issue until next weekend when the second leg starts against Granada and the position in the classification is very comfortable ( 13th ) after two consecutive victories against direct rivals : Espanyol and Betis. The relegation posts are five points away.

The odds are against Osasuna as they have been eliminated in all the confrontations with the white team. Anyway, Osasuna players must do their best in the pitch and the non-habitual players have the opportunity to show their coach, Javier Gracia, that they can play in La Liga from the beginning. The two new players in the team, like Acuña, may be in the kickoff team, and as Andres Fernandez, the goalkeeper was sent off in Sevilla the last game in La Liga and can't play the following one, he is to play this evening for sure.

Posible kickoff teams:
Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Oier Sanjurjo, Miguel Flaño, Arribas, Joan Oriol; Puñal, Raoul; Cejudo, Torres, De las Cuevas; Acuña.
Real Madrid: Casillas; Arbeloa, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Coentrao; Illarramendi, Xabi Alonso; Jesé, Di María, Cristiano Ronaldo; Benzema.

GORA OSASUNA! AUPA ROJILLOS!

Real Madrid-Osasuna, who said fear?

Good evening, dear Osasunists! Here we are again in a  week match in Copa del Rey and the rival is the powerful Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu.

Last match against Ancelotti's team was at El Sadar and the final score was very thrilling for Osasuna supporters and Real Madrid footballers had to struggle to get a point in La Liga. Therefore, there is an idea of revenge in Madrid to solve the leg at home.

There are other main issues, like always, before a match with a "weaker" rival in Madrid. Di Maria's attitude against Celta when he was substituted resulted with the anger of the supporters and his natural post will be for the "galactic" Bale. Besides, Iker Casillas is back at the goal after becoming a father, and of course there will be rotations from the kickoff team in Liga and Copa.

On the other hand, Osasuna must keep on playing their game when they are away from El Sadar and they must try to get a good score to motivate us, their supporters, to go to El Sadar with the prices the club board have established for the second leg match. It is true that the results are better away from El Sadar than at our home stadium, but in the end Real Madrid is the favourite for a winning final score.

Javi Gracia's players will be different from the last match against Espanyol too. Probably Damiá will go back to the kickoff team and Lobato, the new forward in the club is also in the list for the match.

Posible Kickoff teams:
Real Madrid: Casillas; Arbeloa, Nacho, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo; Illarramendi, Modric; Bale, Isco, Cristiano Ronaldo; Jesé.
Osasuna: Riesgo; Damiá, Flaño, Oier, Joan Oriol; Silva, Puñal; Cejudo, Torres, José García; Oriol Riera.

GORA OSASUNA!AUPA ROJILLOS!
WHAT A GEM!

The "Eleven" Wise Men at El Sadar

Good afternoon, dear Osasunists! Last article I wrote was last year, so the first I want to say is : HAPPY NEW YEAR for every reader and follower I have.

Today the Spanish Liga restarts the competition again and El Sadar must be the scenery for a different parade on the previous night for the magic day for children: The Three Wise Men and the day of presents after the arrival of Olentzero in Pamplona or Father Christmas in the UK.

The visitor is Espanyol from Barcelona and Osasuna supporters hope that the bus which drives them to the stadium won't be loaded with coal for our team, Osasuna. An old friend on the benches is back again at El Sadar: Javier Agirre, who gave Osasuna one of the golden age in the history of our club. Espanyol, the team which "el vasco" leads started the Liga with a faltering step may have found a good way to mantain in First Division. They have also classified for the next leg in Copa del Rey, like Osasuna.

On the other hand, Osasuna finished 2013 with a draw in Vigo against Celta which brought different sensations to the players, coach and supporters. As I watched the match on the TV, I thought Osasuna could have obtained the three points, but in the end they could have lost too, but all in all the way the players were in the field, their attitude, their play and their touch gave me hope for the rest of the championship.

But, Osasuna players must justify my sensations and probably your wishes for this season with the victory this evening against Espanyol. For those young supporters, and "less" young, who are going to sleep with the anxiety and excitement of the arrival of the Three Wise Men, the eleven players of Osasuna must dress up like Wise Men and give us the three points as a first present. It will produce relief, happiness and hope for the following matches in January, as the leg in Copa del Rey against Real Madrid. That is one of my wishes for the "real" Three Wise Men: eliminate Real Madrid this year! That will be another story next week!
 
GORA OSASUNA! AUPA ROJILLOS!
Posible kickoff teams: Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Marc Bertrán, Arribas, Loties, Oier; Silva, Lolo; Cejudo, Torres, Armenteros; Oriol Riera.
Espanyol: Kiko Casilla; Javi López, Colotto, Héctor Moreno, Capdevila; David López, Raúl Rodríguez; Stuani, Sergio García, Simao and Jhon Córdoba.

Celta-Osasuna, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Good afternoon, dear Osasunists! Today is a hopeful expectating day for everybody in Spain, as it is the Christmas National Lotery Day and many people are willing to be lucky and become millionaire in a crisis time. But for us, the luck would be to finish the year out of the relegation posts. That is the target for Celta de Vigo and Osasuna, which confront their strenght at Balaidos stadium this evening. Both teams may finish this year with different sensations and evaluation. Lately, the team from Vigo has suffered from two defeats, one against Valladolid (3-0) in Liga and Athletic (4-0) in Copa. On the other hand, Osasuna players are enthusiastic and eager to add three exciting points to the classification and go on holidays out of the relegation posts. Osasuna has improved their game after getting a point against powerful Real Madrid, and eliminating Malaga in La Copa that gives another opportunity to confront Ancelotti's team at El Sadar. Celta's coach, Luis Enrique, is under suspiction and about to be fired if the result is negative this evening. Supporters and chairmen are doubtful with their game and the shameful defeat at San Mames is in their memories. It is also true that Celta is a firm rival at their stadium and they won their three last consecutive games at Balaidos. Osasuna's coach, Javi Gracia, who has been one of the best decisions of the chairmen in the club this year, will try to go on their lately winning streak against a direct rival to avoid relegation at the end of the season. So far, Celta are one point ahead in the classification, but I hope it will be the opposite at the end of the match this evening. The mood is high among the Navarrians after the result at El Sadar against Real Madrid (2-2) in the last game played in La Liga, but with some doubts after the draw (1-1) to eliminate Malaga, at El Sadar too. There are better expectations than the 14 points obtained in the last 17 games in La Liga. The figures and statistics may show hope for Osasuna as the results at Balaidos for the home team are quite negative with similar teams as Osasuna: Celta only won against Almería (3-1), got three draws Español (2-2), Granada (1-1) and Villarreal (0-0), but lost four games with direct rivals and the powerful Barça: Elche (0-1), Levante (0-1), Barcelona (0-3) and Rayo Vallecano (0-2). Besides, Osasuna won twice this year away from El Sadar: Málaga (0-1) and Valladolid (0-1), but we have lost the rest of visitor games against: Athletic (2-0), Getafe (2-1), Atlético de Madrid (2-1), Sevilla (2-1), Real Sociedad (5-0) and Valencia (3-0). Probable kickoff teams: Celta: Yoel; Jonny, Cabral, Fontás, Aurtenetxe; Oubiña, Alex López, Augusto Fernández; Nolito, Rafinha, Santi Mina. Osasuna: Andrés Fernández, Marc Bertrán, Loties, Flaño, Damiá; Puñal, Lolo; Cejudo, Torres, Armenteros, Oriol Riera. GORA OSASUNA! AUPA ROJILLOS! MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM PAMPLONA RED SALESIANS AND SALESIANOS PAMPLONA STUDENTS!

Osasuna-Malaga, a milestone game for Copa del Rey

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Good evening, dear Osasunists!Osasuna plays against Malaga the second round of 1/16 Copa del Rey tournament at El Sadar, after their draw (3-3) at La Rosaleda, which was a complete surprise for me when at the beginning of the second half, Osasuns was losing 3-0 and everything appeared to be lost and their participation in Copa del Rey almost over.

The confrontation against Malaga is at the best moment for Osasuna, as they also got another important result against Real Madrid on Saturday at El Sadar. But it is also true that it may be a misleading scoring because our players musn't be confident on their tiny advantage with their goals. One goal will be the difference between glory and defeat.

The game will be also historic, individually and for the club itself. The Great Captain,Patxi Puñal, is about to increase his figures in the club. The match against Malaga in Copa will be his 500th in Osasuna, a minestone in the club. On the negative side, Raoul Loe, Sisi, Nino and De las Cuevas can't play the game as the first is sanctioned and the rest are injured. Besides, the club plays the match 1000 at El Sadar this evening, another milestone.

Patxi Puñal, who has been sanctioned for a game after seeing a direct red card against Valencia, is going to play a record match this evening, but he complains that after so many years in First Divison he hasn't got much respect by the referees. He is 38 years old and has been sanctioned five times in his career, but he doesn't consider himself a rude violent player and Osasuna players either. 

Probable Kickoff teams:
Osasuna: Riesgo; Damiá, Flaño, Oier, Joan Oril; Silva, Puñal; José García, Torres, Cejudo; Manuel Onwu.
Málaga: Caballero; Gámez, Angeleri, Weligton, Antunes; Duda, Tissone, Darder, Eliseu; Portillo, Santa Cruz.

Apart from the sport issue, Osasuna is on the news because the European Commision has raised an official investigation against seven Spanish Football Clubs on illegal economical aids by the Spanish government. The CLUBS are : Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao, Osasuna, Valencia, Hércules and Elche.

We must bear in mind that Osasuna with Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Athletic Club de Bilbao are the only NOT limited companies , S.A. , and they are ruled by their members and not by external companies, and they have different budget rules than the rest, therefore the UE think they may take financial advantage.

GORA OSASUNA!AUPA ROJILLOS!