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!

Getafe-Osasuna: no time for a relaxing cafe con leche in Plaza Mayor

Good morning, dear Osasunists! Today we restart our season with a new entry about our loved football team: Osasuna! After a beginning of nightmare in La Liga with Mendilibar, Archanco decided to fire the coach who signed a new contract in July. That was a big mistake from those who lead the club, and in my opinion, after three lost matches and having no points in the classification, there should have been a complete resignment of the chairman and his men and a new election to rule Osasuna.

I already published my opinion in the beginning of the season, and time gave me reasons of my viewpoints. Now Osasuna has got a new coach from Pamplona: Javier Gracia, with a cheap contract and the necesity to cheer up not only the players' mood but our mood, the supporters who suffered to avoid relegation to Second Division last season and start the new season with the feeling that Osasuna is heading to the hell of a lower level in the Spanish football after 13 seasons in First Division.

We, the supporters, are looking forward to watching a reborn in Osasuna against Getafe, a club with the same needs as Osasuna to get points. Javi Gracia starts his career in Osasuna as their coach away, at Coliseum Alfonso Perez. Osasuna players supported their ex-coach, Mendilibar, as strongly as their new coach. That shows that the problem may be found in the offices of the club and not in the pitch.

Anyway, football is back after two weeks of getting used to a new coach and his ideas. Osasuna players should have changed their speech too. I have listened to their comments about the game against Getafe, and I think that they should have said that they go to Getafe with just a goal: to win, and any other result different from a victory would be a disappointment. A real change starts in their minds.

Who will play in Getafe? There are some injured players: Jon Echaide, Miguel De las Cuevas, 'Nino' and Miguel Flaño, and two players who joined the posible kickoff team:'Lolo' and Marc Bertran. Javi Gracia, the coach, must improve two main lines, defence and forward, but there must be a link to those two lines, a strong quick midfield. It seems that the absence of Joan Oriol and Eneko Satrustegui in the trip to Getafe means that Oier, Damià, Arribas and Bertran have to reduce work to our goalkeeper Andres Fernandez.
As we said, the midfield is the key for a good game, and the pair Raoul Loé-Puñal or Puñal-Torres could show the main ideas of the new coach in Getafe: defensive or risky. Remember that supporters demanded Mendilibar to give more opportunities to Torres. That should be the bet of the new coach.

To sum up, Osasuna has no time for a relaxing cup of cafe con leche in Plaza Mayor, as Ana Botella said in a poor English in front of an audience with different level of English, but a short time for bad jokes. A similar situation for supporters of Osasuna: no time for jokes and the urgency to work and improve our "poor level" of playing football, similar to the level of English of the mayoress of Madrid.


Posible kickoff teams Getafe: Moyá; Valera, Lisandro, Alexis, Roberto Lago; Borja, Míchel; Pedro León, Sarabia, Diego Castro; Miku or Colunga. Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Damià, Oier, Arribas, Bertrán; Puñal, Silva; Sisi, Roberto Torres, Armenteros; Oriol Riera. GORA OSASUNA1 AUPA ROJILLOS!

Athletic-Osasuna at Anoeta, a derby for three!

Good afternoon, dear Osasunists! Today is Friday,...and? Is my article about holidays? 9 1/2 weeks are almost gone, but no, we still have time to enjoy!No,...It is a football day, and the teles are the ones to blame, apart from the LFP betrayers. Perhaps, the angriest of all must be the supporters from Bilbao, as they not only have to move to Donosti to watch a home game, their most hatred rival stadium will be their stadium for the second time in history, but they also have to leave their city, Bilbao, during the major day of their festivals, Aste Nagusia. Anyway, football is our topic. After the first games of this season, the beginning was different for both teams. Athletic won their match against Valladolid away ( 1-2 ) and they are full of confidence and ready to confront their first derby. On the other hand, Osasuna, the real visitor this game lost their match at El Sadar, against one of their rivals for the season to fulfill their main goal: avoid relegation to Second Division. Don't forget that must be the aim for Osasuna during this year, again and ever. Valverde, Athletic's coach, won't be able to use two of his Navarrians for this game, Iraizoz and Ekiza. You know that was an important issue in the previous confrontations, but it seems to be forgotten, except for the last player who left Osasuna to cross the highway to Bilbao: Kike Sola. Unfortunately for the Bizkaians, Kike is sanctioned too and he won't play against his ex-partners. During these days, as you know, I have been on holidays and most days I stayed in Bilbao and I have bben witness of the demolition of San Mames stadium, the home stadium of Athletic de Bilbao, and the construction of their new stadium: San Mames Berria. It is a pity we couldn't inaugurate the new stadium, I wish we could, but another reality is that they, as locals, only sent 300 tickets for Osasuna supporters and it has been imposible to get one to watch at Anoeta. Osasuna will play the match with many handicaps, more than the necessary for a second game in the season. First,our team lost their game at home against Granada, a direct rival, and second, there will be many players who won't repeat in the kickoff team. Apart from Miguel Flaño, Eneko Satrústegui, Manuel Ortiz "Lolo" and Juan Francisco Martínez, who didn't play the first game, we must add "Nino", injured , Álvaro Cejudo and Miguel De las Cuevas. Mendilibar will replace them with Sisinio González "Sisi" and Oriol Riera. Besides, Francisco "Gato" Silva will substitute Raoul Loé. But what the team need is not only new men in the kickoff team, but overall the strenght and fight that is inner in the name of the club. KICKOFF TEAMS: Athletic: Herrerín; Iraola, Gurpegui, Laporte, Balenziaga; Iturraspe, Beñat, Herrera; Susaeta, Aduriz and Muniain. Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Marc Bertrán, Loties, Arribas, Joan Oriol; Puñal, Silva; Armenteros, Oriol Riera, Sisi; Ariel Núñez. GORA OSASUNA! AUPA ROJILLOS!

Back to our dream,...not to reality!

 
Good afternoon, dear Osasunists! Here we are back to another season, but before the school year start. It is difficult for me to write this article so early this time!Summer is still the season of the year, but football and La Liga are back again!

The "Reds" had a bad start last season and they suffered until the last match of the season. Besides, Osasuna was the team with less favour goals in La Liga with only 33 goals in 38 matches. Osasuna starts their 14th season in a row in La Liga de las Estrellas, but we, their supporters are hopeful to avoid suffering, pain or tense as we did last year. It is supposed to have a more effective team, but Osasuna semmed to have the same deficit during the preseason: the goal. Mendilibar is the coach of Osasuna and this will be his fourth season in Pamplona. Not many coaches are so long in a club;actually, Jose Luis becomes the coach with more seasons in a row in La Liga. After his speech before the match, we think that Mendilibar has got a better team and footballers seem to understand him better than last season. I hope that results help him at the beginning. Otherwise, results will make that record not to last for long!

There are new players in the team, but in my opinion, the best news were that Andres Fernandez stayed in El Sadar. Osasuna had to replace another "betrayer", Kike Sola, who left to Bilbao to "improve" his career. It seems that Oriol Riera, the Catalonian player from Alcorcon and the International Paraguayan player Arien Nuñez will be the ones to make us forget Kike and overall his goals. Other new players are the French Jordan Loties (Nancy), another Catalonian, Joan Oriol (Villarreal), and two other players from the youth team Jon Echaide and Eneko Satrustegui, who is still recovering from a serious knee injury since last season. Another issue since last season was the stadium and its name. The previous hours before the match, the channel GOL TV published the name of Reyno de Navarra for the stadium, when first most of the supporters never like that name and second, and more important, the Government of Navarra put an end to the contract with the club to call EL SADAR again. OSASUNA ALWAYS PLAY IN EL SADAR. Osasuna is a team in First Division for most of my students, who I will meet again in September and for those who I never knew before and will be my students in first year! (I will have to tell them some stories!jeje! ) Well, this is all by now! Good luck for the first match to our team! Gora Osasuna! Aupa Rojillos!

Real Madrid-Osasuna, goodbye Ricardo!

Good afternoon, dear Osasunists! Today is the last match of the season and Osasuna have passed their exams before June. The final mark is just a "C" ( PASS ) for their way of playing, effort, motivation and result There will be time to think and analyze every aspect of the team and each position, but the objective should have been gained before and without such an anxiety and despair. The rival is Mou's team and their supporters are divided to say goodbye to their coach after three seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. It is the end of 'Mou's era'. They have also closed their season with a lower mark than Osasuna, as their goal is very different from Osasuna. They wanted to win not only the home championship, but also the Champions, the main reason to sign for Florentino's team for the Portuguese coach. After three years in Madrid, the mediatic coach has only achieved three main titles: Spanish League,Copa del Rey and Spanish Supercup. As we see, they are just local cups and none of them are International or European titles. Before his strong hand with the captain, Iker Casillas, most of the supporters of the white team were with Mou, and when the coach targeted his fellow countryman, Cristiano, as one of the culprits of their elimination in Champions, everybody knew Mou was looking for other personal aims. The match today is a farewell party for many people, but the most important for us is the goodbye for our goalkeeper, Ricardo. He left the last season, but came back to help the club when Asier Riesgo was seriously injured at the beginning of this season. He hasn't played a single match, but it's and has been a very important person in the dressing room at El Sadar and away. His career may have been empty of relevant titles, but he played for top teams like Real Madrid, Manchester United and, of course, Osasuna. I think that Mendilibar should have him in the kickoff team. On the other side of the pitch and apart from their coach, there will be other people saying goodbye. There is another goalkeeper to leave, but it is not Mou's desire: Iker, but an arrogant young one: Adan. He may play this afternoon as Iker is still punished by Mou and Diego Lopez is absent. Other players are Carvalho, who is leaving to Monaco, one of the next powerful teams in Europe, Essien, Callejon and Higuain, some players in the orbit of Mou's next team, Chelsea. Mourinho is still stubborn with his ideas and as Varane is injured and Marcelo is already with his National team, he doesn't want to use Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Fabio Coentrao, Sami Khedira, Xabi Alonso, Kaká or Cristiano Ronaldo. None of them will play this afternoon and he wants to make a final gesture for the Chamartin supportes using the youngsters Nacho, Morata, Fabinho, Llorente and Omar to fill in the list for the match. As Osasuna already got their main target: keep in first division, there might be a surprise at the end of the match as it happened three years ago ( 0-3 ). Without any pressure, Osasuna players must use this game as a good opportunity to 'sell themselves' like in a shop window. There are many habitual players out and even Mendilibar can't sit on the Bernabeu coach and it might be his last game in Osasuna, though. Arribas and Damià are sanctioned; Lolo, Nino, Annan, Miguel Flaño and Marc Bertrán injured and the players Raoul Loé and Masoud with their National teams for the Conference Cup. Another significant absence is the captain: Patxi Puñal, who is about to become a father. There is also another farewell: the Basque referee Perez Lasa is retiring too and this match will be the last one for his career in La Liga. Posible kickoff teams: Real Madrid: Adán; Arbeloa, Raúl Albiol, Carvalho, Nacho; Essien, Modric, Özil; Di María, Callejón e Higuaín. Osasuna: Asier Riesgo; Oier, Rubén, Unai García, Nano; Silva, Timor; Armenteros, Roberto Torres, De las Cuevas; Llorente. GORA OSASUNA!AUPA ROJILLOS! SEE YOU ALL NEXT SEASON!!!!!!

Osasuna-Sevilla, THE MATCH

Good afternoon, dear Osasunists! Our club need us, all Osasuna supporters and lovers. It's all or nothing, the last game in El Sadar this season and against one of the most hatred teams in the last decade: SEVILLA F.C. They are coming to Pamplona in their last chance to go to Europe and Sevilla supporters still have some bad memories from their visits to our stadium. After three weeks and the same number of matches, Osasuna is at the same situation that Mendilibar defined with a sentence: we are the best of the candidates to relegate in Second Division. The only thing we must do is TO WIN. We depend on ourselves, but it is the last chance to keep in First Division, as Osasuna play at El Santiago bernabeu the last match of the season and nobody will give a chance for Osasuna there. Mendilibar's team will have our support today from the very beginning of the match till the final whistle of the referee, by the way, he is Muñiz Fernandez, bad memories recall his name. The stadium will be crowded and we will go with our team towards the victory. Our rivals to avoid relegation have similar hard confrontations, as both Deportivo and Zaragoza play away from their stadiums and against Malaga and Betis, that they are struggling for a post to Europe. The handicap of Osasuna is endemic: the sanctioned and injured players. However, Mendilibar can use the captain Patxi Puñal again, there are many players out: Nino, Nano, Lolo, Sisi, Annan, and the second captain, Miguel Flaño. One of the strongest lines in history for Osasuna is the weakest this season: defense. Ruben and Arribas seem to be in the centre with the help of Marc and Damia in both wings. The footballers are very tense as we noticed at the end of the week with the fight between Armenteros and Timor, but the rival isn't at home, they come from Sevilla. There are many games to remember to look for revenge in both teams. We hope to help the other team in Sevilla, MUCHO BETIS, for their goal for this season: to play in the European League. There are some positive facts for Osasuna to get a victory this evening, as Sevilla F.C. didn't win many games away this season, just one against Deportivo last September, but in their last three games away they got three consecutive draws against Betis, Valladolid and Malaga. Probable kickoff teams: Club Atlético Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Marc Bertrán, Rubén, Arribas, Damià; Puñal, Silva; Cejudo, Armenteros, De las Cuevas; y Kike Sola. Sevilla Fútbol Club: Beto; Coke, Cala, Botía, Fernando Navarro; Medel, Kongogbia; Jesús Navas, Rakitic, Perotti; y Negredo. GORA OSASUNA!AUPA ROJILLOS!

A POR ELLOS- GO FOR GETAFE!

Good afternoon, dear Osasunists! The first final for Osasuna is today, the second weekend in May, a traditional month linked to the rebirth or flowering in the country, the celebration of the Mother's Day in Spain or the Weddings and First Communions ceremonies. All those sensations must be go back to El Sadar this evening and the team need our support from the very first minute up to the moment the referee blows the end of the match. Last week mass media from Barcelona or Madrid were harping on their idea about a "remontada"(recovery) for their teams in the Champions League, but our final is in La Liga and it lasts three main games: Getafe, Granada and Sevilla. Madrid must be a fiesta for us and we can't expect any help or simpathy from Ultra Sur. As they were talking about some spirits like Juanito or Kubala, Osasuna can bring memories of Jan Urban in Bernabeu, the Copa del Rey final against Betis, Martin Monreal and the last struggle to keep in First Division. We can feel part of the history of the club and today is the beginning of another chapter. Osasuna must be in the world next year. I am trying to help that idea to come true, but I know that the famous players or coaches are the main ambassadors of our clubs: Aguirre in Mexico, Camacho in China, Ivan Brzic or Milosevic in Serbia, the Uruguayan Pablo Garcia, but overall, at least, for me, the British Sammy Lee, Ullarthone or Michael Robinson who made Osasuna the best in the world, at least in Osasunists' hearts. It's the D day for Osasuna and their supporters.There has been a call from the club to support the team early this afternoon until the start of the match. Not only hooligans from Indar Gorri must sing chants, but also the rest in the stadium so Getafe players couldn't listen to each other on the pitch. That should be every weekend in El Sadar, but it seems that is the similarity between Osasuna and Barcelona with the Liga and Champion matches. The match against Getafe is a "Champions" match for us and we must be with our players, with Osasuna. Getafe is the first stage and it is vital. The arrival of the rival must be a hell for them and the heaven for Mendilibar's boys. The stadium must be full of clear strong throats to push the players towards victory. We need the three points and leave as many teams as possible down and with a good gap to go to Granada. Now or never. The spirit of Martin Monreal, not only to avoid relegation last time, but also when he, with the help of Echeverria and Iriguibel among others, got promoted to First Division in 1981 in Gijon ( when I learned Osasuna existed ) , must appear in El Sadar this evening. Andrés must feel the feelings of Basauri, Vicuña, Biurrun or Unzue in his acts and saves, for instance; Flaño, Arribas, Marc, Damiá or Rubén,the strenght, struggle and force of former defenders like Mina, Castañeda, Bustingorri, Pablo Garcia,...; midfielders like Gato Silva, Armenteros, Cejudo, De las Cuevas or Patxi Puñal himself must bring their best in a key game for the history of Osasuna. They should show their skills to send good balls to the missing scorers Nino, Kike Sola, Onwu, or Loé. All them must feel a load on their shoulders, but not to avoid them run, but to fly with the help of the history on their jerseys with each player who played in the same position before him. They must wear the jersey with pride to show that WE ARE OSASUNA. You must die in the pitch and get squizzed like a lemon. Players must finish the game with the feeling proud and admired by their supporters, and it will be if they feel this is life or death. Finally, we, the supporters mustn't faint in the game. We must support the team up to the final whistle no matter how players play. There will be time for whistles, whispering or critical silence for next season or week criticism. Osasuna need 90 or 95 minutes of encouragement as a player said. Our red blood must run hotter this evening and our red heart must beat with a quick compass. The most famous chants must be heard from the stadium to Granada, and our next rivals must start feeling nervous even a week before we go there to get the three points. Riau-riau and other good songs must leave from our mouths and from our hearts too. A collective shout must be heard as a punch by Getafe players: OSASUNA. This is my final statement: OSASUNA PLAYERS,YOU ARE OUR FOOTBALL GLADIATORS. GO FOR THEM/ A POR ELLOS/ EMAN GOGOR! THIS VIDEO HELPED BARÇA TO GET THEIR CHAMPIONS CUP, LET HELP OSASUNA TO MANTAIN IN FIRST DIVISION! GORA OSASUNA!

Valencia C.F.-C.A.Osasuna, May the forth be with you!

Good morning, dear Osasunists! Osasuna play one of their five finals until the end of La Liga against Valencia C.F. at Mestalla stadium.

Both teams, Valencia and Osasuna have to do their best in these five last games to fulfill their goals from the beginning of the season. Valencia's goal was to play the Champions League next season, and Osasuna's to play First Division again and avoid relegation to Second Division.

On the one hand, Valencia must counteract the advantage of their rival, Real Sociedad, of five points. On the other hand, Osasuna is only three points ahead of their direct rivals to avoid relegation. As Mendilibar said this week: "Osasuna is the best of the six teams to avoid Second Division posts". They can't waste any opportunity and yesterday's result in Vigo ( 1-1 ) with Athletic is good news, not excellent, for Osasuna supporters.

Valverde, Valencia's coach, won't be able to have Albelda, the captain, on the pitch, but the Basque may complete an excellent round on the bench of a turbulent club with many economical problems and changes in their financial team. However, the coach can make a very competitive team with players like Parejo or Soldado, who is in a very good estate and scored a goal at Anoeta last Sunday, though it didn't help to win the match.

Mendilibar, Osasuna's coach, can't use Armenteros, Annan, or Sisi who are injured. At least, Marc Bertran and Oier are back to the team, but even when Sergio is recovered from his injured, he'll stay in Pamplona. Osasuna play their second consecutive game away and they need to add points in each match before La Liga finish. Osasuna got a draw against Rayo and Real Sociedad, and they haven't won in their last four games.

Finally, We must make a short comment on the day of the game: May 4th ( MAY THE FOURTH/FORCE ) BE WITH YOU is a worldwide event fot those who like the saga STAR WARS in series or films and are called themselves freaks. Osasuna need a big force to avoid relegation and to win the match against Valencia. So, this is my wish for them.

Probable kickoff teams:
Valencia: Guaita, Joao Pereira, Ricardo Costa, Mathieu, Guardado, Parejo, Tino Costa, Canales, Banega, Jonas and Soldado.
Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Marc Bertrán, Arribas, Miguel Flaño, Oier; Raoul Loé, Silva; Cejudo, Timor, De las Cuevas; Kike Sola. GORA OSASUNA! AUPA ROJILLOS!

Rayo-Osasuna: let's start the weekend with good news!

Good evening, dear Osasunists!
We have started the weekend a few hours ago, but it will be a different weekend if we can go to sleep with good news from Vallecas, the neighbourhood of Rayo football team.

Osasuna must vanish the relegation issue if they are able to fish points at one of their most difficult stadiums in history. There is another problem for Osasuna, apart from historical bad results in Vallecas, that is the fact that Rayo have their last opportunity to fight for a place to go to Europe next season and they may see Osasuna as a perfect rival to achieve that brilliant goal.

Mendilibar's team is only four points away from the relegation posts and they have to break that bad patch of lost games at home and away so that they may increase the gap with their pursuers. After three consecutive matches, "the reds" have to change the final result from last year at Vallecas.

It was also in April, on the 7th, when Michu (2), Movilla, Tito, Diego Costa and the actual Osasuna player Armenteros scored six goals, what became the best  result for Rayo in history as a team in First Division. Besides, Osasuna have only got a draw and a victory out of their seven visits to Vallecas.

Osasuna will have to face this situation without some of their best players. Oier and Armenteros are sanctioned, and the latter won't be able to play against his ex-colleagues. Also, Annan, Ruben and Bertran are injured.

On the other hand, Rayo's coach, Paco Jemez, is about to make another punch in the club history. They might go to the Europe League and Osasuna can be a perfect victim for them. They also have some important injured players, like Brazilian Leo Baptistao or Tamudo.

 

OSASUNA: Andrés; Damiá, Arribas, Flaño, Nano; Loe, Silva; Cejudo, Armenteros, De las Cuevas; Sola.

GORA OSASUNA! AUPA ROJILLOS! EVEN WHEN THE RESULTS MAY EMBARRASE OTHER TEAM SUPPORTERS

Osasuna-Real Sociedad, a neighbours' confrontation

 

Good afternoon, dear Osasunists! The Reds are conscious that the match against Real Sociedad are losing a very good opportunity to confirm their next year participation in First Division. Last confrontations against Espanyol and Malaga finished in two painful defeats in the way they happened, in the last minutes of the matches.

Real Sociedad, one of the best teams of La Liga, pay a visit at El Sadar in their Champions position and Osasuna must win to avoid problems for the following games away and home. Osasuna lost at El Sadar against Athletic, Atletico and Espanyol, and it is almost more worrying for us, their supporters, the fact that they have lost in their last five matches. Osasuna have only got the points against Valladolid at Zorrilla stadium.

Osasuna is only three points away from the relegation posts and the results of the teams below the Reds help to solve the situation.We had a similar results with the matches on Friday and Saturday, so that Mallorca, Celta, Zaragoza and Deportivo are still under Osasuna posts.

The supporters from both cities and regions always are in good terms and there is a good atmosphere before thire confrontations, no matter their position in the classification of the League. It is supposed to have a good day in Pamplona for those who want to follow their team from Donostia.

Mendilibar's team can't be formed with Siguen Joseba Llorente, as he signed for Osasuna from Real Sociedad, also the injured Sisi, Annan and Ruben, and finally the sanctioned  Marc Bertrán..The Basque coach in Osasuna must form a different defense line from the previous game, so Damia and Lolo may have their chance to play.

On the other hand, Montanier's team is also affected by some injuries like Zurutuza and Asier Illarramendi, who may be replaced by Pardo or Gorka Elustondo. The team from Donosti may win their third game in a row, which they didn't get in the last nine year in La Liga.

Osasuna supporters can watch an old friend in Real Sociedad team as Carlos Vela played for Osasuna when Javier Aguirre coached our team. The Mexican is the best scorer in the Donostiarran team and idol for their supporters. But another good goal scorer is Agirretxe and the Frenchbasque Griezmann. who may revolt the defence in Osasuna!

GORA OSASUNA! AUPA ROJILLOS!

- Posible kickoff teams:
At. Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Damià, Lolo, Arribas, Oier; Raoul Loé o Puñal, Silva; Cejudo, Armenteros, De las Cuevas; Kike Sola.
Real Sociedad: Bravo; Carlos Martínez, Mikel, Iñigo Martínez, De la Bella o José Ángel; Bergara, Elustondo, Xabi Prieto; Griezmann, Vela, Agirretxe.

Malaga-Osasuna, a confrontation with different goals

 
Good morning, dear Osasunists! Our team play tonight against Malaga at La Rosaleda stadium and the local team need to forget the sad defeat at the quarter final of the Champions League against Borussia. Pellegrini's team lost in the extra time after they were winning most of the match and a fatal referee decision made their dream disappear in a minute.

Osasuna must bear in mind that the situation might have changed after both defeats, in the Champions and in the home League, against Real Sociedad at Anoeta stadium ( 4-2 ). Anyway, supporters in Malaga have defined their players like heroes and they will play tribute to their effort against the odds and human decisions!

Apart from the low moral after the defeat in Germany, Pellegrini must face some injuries with Jéremy Toulalan and Pedro Morales, also Francisco Portillo and Roque Santa Cruz. On the other hand, Osasuna have to confront Malaga after losing their last three games at El Sadar and they don't have many more opportunities to avoid relegation. Mendilibar's team seem to play a better game away than when they do it in front of their supporters.

Thanks to the victory against Valladolid let them keep the gap of five points with those teams that lead to Second Division. Anyway, they musn't trust on the results as Depor, Celta or Zaragoza, do not forget Granada, are pushing from the low positions. There are still eight games to play before the League come to an end and nothing is decided yet. Mendilibar can use most of the team against Malaga, all players except for Anthony Annan and the coach may try to encourage some of his players in the defence or midfield.

POSIBLE KICKOFF TEAMS:
Málaga: Caballero; Gámez, Demichelis, Weligton, Antunes; Joaquín, Iturra, Camacho, Isco; Baptista and Saviola.
Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Marc Bertrán, Lolo, Arribas, Oier; Puñal, Silva; Armenteros, Masoud, De las Cuevas; Kike Sola

GORA OSASUNA! AUPA ROJILLOS!
 .

Osasuna-Espanyol, a confrontation to stay in First Division

Good afternoon, dear Osasunists! Osasuna play at a usual time on Sunday at El Sadar against an old less hatred rival: Espanyol from Barcelona. A rival that helped Osasuna in the first round, or better said, the victory at Cornella helped Mendilibar to stay in Pamplona after the impressive win ( 0-3 ).

Both teams want to win the game this afternoon to sign a new contract to play in First Division next season, but opposite to previous games this second round, Osasuna is in the advantage side, as the
goalaverage is in favour and it may help in a hypothetical draw in the classification. The results from the previous weeks have narrowed the gap in the low part of the League. Depor and Celta still have expectations to be in La Liga de las Estrellas next season and Zaragoza, Mallorca or Granada too. But the rest up to the position of Espanyol ( 12th with 36 points ) can't keep calm until they reach the dreamed 42 points mark, though the amount might be smaller this seson.

Mendilibar's team, Osasuna, is 15th with 31 points and more eager to win this match to avoid relegation and congratulate their supporters with a new victory to keep on the road of salvation!

An old friend was signed to help Espanyol in La Liga, Javier Aguirre, the coach that is always welcomed in Pamplona and in the list of next season coaches for Osasuna ever. He left Pamplona to lead the National team of Mexico and since then, he has signed for several Spanish teams like Atletico or Zaragoza. He is an intelligent man and he's said that the match this afternoon will be brave, intense and with few opportunities to score goals for both teams, so in his opinion, the key of the match will be the lack of mistakes in each team.

There are few changes in both teams from the previous games against Real Sociedad and Valladolid, and only Tejera and Nano are the new names for the game. The posible kickoff teams may be as follow:

OSASUNA: Andrés; Bertrán, Rubén, Arribas, Damiá; Lolo, F. Silva, Armenteros, Nino, De las Cuevas; Kike Sola
 ESPANYOL: Casilla; J. López, Colotto, H.Moreno, V. Álvarez; V. Sánchez, Forlín; Stuani, Verdú, Simao; Sergio García. GORA OSASUNA! AUPA ROJILLOS!

Valladolid-Osasuna, a football match on Resurrection Day!

 
Good morning, dear Osasunists!
Osasuna play against Valladolid in the morning/afternoon at Nuevo Zorrilla stadium on the Resurrection Day.

We, supporters, hope it will be a symbol of the restart of adding points to avoid relegation at the end of the season. Valladolid is a good stage to avoid the posts that lead to Second Division, five points away before the starting whistle.

After losing three consecutive games in a row, Osasuna must get points, though their play is good and fine against their rivals, and players are optimistic to achieve their goal at the end of the season.

The Reds from Pamplona have only obtained nine points far away from their stadium, El Sadar! A good opportunity is against Valladolid. Mendilibar's players have won two games away: Espanyol (0-3) and Levante (0-2), they have got a draw against Real Sociedad (0-0), Getafe (1-1) and Mallorca (1-1), and finally lost the rest, eight games.
On the other hand, Real Valladolid have lost 17 points at their stadium. They have lost against very strong teams like Atlético de Madrid (0-3), Barcelona (1-3), Betis (0-1) and Real Madrid (2-3). They have got a draw against Athletic (2-2), Espanyol (1-1), Málaga (1-1), Real Sociedad (2-2) and Valencia (1-1), and finally have just won five at Nuevo Zorrilla stadium.

Osasuna's coach can use most of his players as Silva is back after being sanctioned and Sola and Ruben have been recovered after their injuries. Also the second goalkeeper, Asier Riesgo is able to play after his long time injury. So, Ricardo, Nano, Raoul, Annan, Timor, Torres and Manu are out due to Mendilibar's decission.

Real Valladolid have already got 35 points, and they want to achieve the desired 42 figure of salvation as soon as possible, before the end of the season, ten games ahead. They started the season with a strong fine game, but their intensity, struggle and fight seem to have vanished after a round and the beginning of the new year.

Probable kickoff teams:
Real Valladolid: Dani Hernández; Rukavina, Marc Valiente, Rueda, Balenziaga; Ebert, Álvaro Rubio, Lluís Sastre, Bueno; Óscar and Manucho.
Osasuna: Andrés Fernández, Marc Bertrán, Arribas, Flaño, Damiá; Lolo, Silva, Oier; Armenteros, De las Cuevas; Kike Sola.

Gora Osasuna!Aupa Rojillos!

Osasuna-Atletico, a red game for a green day!

 

Good afternoon, dear Osasunists!Osasuna look after a victory to avoid relegation next season against Atletico, whose players want to take over the second place in La Liga on the hands of their hatred neighbours in Madrid.

Simeone, Atletico's coach, will lead his game number 50 on the bench of Atletico de Madrid. Osasuna will try to celebrate it with three points. But the match is a high intense encounter between two teams with different goals!


Osasuna lost their last game at home against another team in red and white outfits, and the idea of relegation came back to El Sadar again. But, Atletico also lost their first game at Vicente Calderon against Real Sociedad. Both teams have different goals since the beginning of the season, but the team from Madrid are fulfilling an excellent campaign as they have been struggling for the first post in La Liga for 22 weeks, and they are supposed to play the Champions League next year, as they are 13 points ahead the fouth, Malaga C.F. The Navarrian team want to keep strong at El Sadar after losing their first match in 2013 against Athletic Bilbao. Osasuna is four points ahead the team that leads those which are going to second division next year, Mallorca, that lost against Real Madrid yesterday!

Osasuna needs to win after two consecutive defeats against Athletic and Betis, they have to recover thir defensive strenght and score more goals in the opposite team. Osasuna's figures at home are not very good as locals, but they improved, overall after New Year: Levante (4-0), Rayo Vallecano (1-0) in the first leg, and Deportivo (2-1), Celta (1-0) and Zaragoza (1-0) in this second leg. However, all in all, Osasuna lost 21 points at El Sadar with three draws and five lost games.

Mendilibar has to introduce two new players from the last game. Kike Sola is injured and probably will be substituted by Nino, and the sanctioned "Pato" Silva will be replaced by captain Patxi Puñal.

PROBABLE KICKOFF TEAMS
Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Marc Bertrán, Arribas, Flaño, Damiá; Lolo, Puñal, Oier, De las Cuevas; Armenteros; Nino.
 Atlético de Madrid: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Cata Díaz, Filipe; Gabi, Mario; Arda Turan, Koke, Diego Costa; Falcao.

GORA OSASUNA!AUPA ROJILLOS!
HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY!

Betis-Osasuna, is it football on Friday?

 

Good evening, dear Osasunists! Is it week day or weekend ? It's a very strange time to talk about football and I don't get used to watching a game on Friday night! I am very traditional and I like the typical song that adverts football in Spain.

The game itself is interesting not only for Sevillians and Navarrians, but also for those who like football as Betis showed last Sunday at Anoeta in Donosti. There are different aims in both teams: Betis is about to reach 43 points if they win and it may confirm them to stay in First Division for next season and have other goals up to the end of the League this year; and on the other hand, Osasuna must forget their last defeat against Athletic at El Sadar and increase the gap between them and those team that want to leave the relegation posts.

Mel's team have scored six goals in their last two games against Malaga and Real Sociedad. Just the opposite from their rivals tonight. Osasuna's handicap is the scoring. They only scored two goals in two games with the result of a victory against Levante away and the last weekend defeat in the Basque derby.

Supporters in Seville are dreaming of watching the Champions next year at Benito Villamarin and they expect to have a good victim in Osasuna. For that reason, Mel is going to keep his confidence on the same team that won in the Andalusian derby, and he can use any footballer in his club as there isn't any injuried or sanctioned player.

Osasuna's supporters want to regain their three points lost against our hatred rival at El Sadar. It seems to have improved their play away after their last victory in Levante (0-2)  and the last minute draw against Mallorca (1-1).

As we said their handicap is how to get more goals, but on the other hand they have figures of a Champions team in the defence. The midfielders' control has also improved with Masoud and Oier in the pitch.
Osasuna is a very serious team away as they have showed this season with their results against Espanyol (0-3), Real Sociedad (0-0) and Getafe (1-1).

 Mendilibar can change the defence after Ruben's accomplishment of his yellow cards and the back of Annan, the footballer who played for Ghana in the Africa Cup and had to stay more time than the expected in his country.

Posible kickoff teams:
Real Betis: Adrián, Angel or Chica, Mario, Amaya, Nacho, Cañas, Beñat, Campbell, Juan Carlos, Pabon and Jorge Molina.
Osasuna: Andres Fernández, Marc Bertran, Arribas, Flaño, Damia, Lolo, Silva, Oier, Armenteros, De las Cuevas and Nino.

Osasuna-Athletic Bilbao, more than a derby

 
Good morning, dear Osasunists!
Today is a red day on our football calendar. Although it isn't a Sunday, today is FOOTBALL DAY, with capital letters. Not only because there is a Clasico match before Osasuna's game, but also because the rival of Osasuna is the hatred Athletic de Bilbao.

Osasuna needs to get their fourth consecutive victory against Athletic in Pamplona. A match that both teams will face differently from the expected after the first round in La Liga. Athletic is only three points from the relegation posts; after playing two finals last season and shouting their supporters an overwhelming "Bielsa quedate" at Vicente Calderon at Copa del Rey Final last June, the supporters and some assistants of Athletic's chairman, Urrutia, want Bielsa to be fired after the bad results of the Basque team.

The reds from Pamplona, "los rojillos", have won all their matches that they played at El Sadar in 2013, after the beginning of the second round and their situation is the opposite from Athletic's. Osasuna have flown away from the relegation posts, which are now five points ahead. The Navarrians are still a strong team in the defence as Andres Fernandez, the goalkeeper, picked the ball 27 times, even less times than Victor Valdes in F.C. Barcelona or if we compare to the goal issue raised in Bilbao, because there is a debate with Iraizoz or Raul, the two goalkeepers in the Basque team. But on the other hand, the best forward, Kike Sola, has just scored seven goals though they have been very important for Osasuna.

There is an important supporting campaign to take the football fans to El Sadar, and for the first time this season the stadium will be complete and all together we'll shout "A por Ellos" or "Eman Gogor" ( Go for them ). There is a great expectation on the game in Pamplona and the supporters expect to win the eternal hatred rival from Bilbao.

Mendilibar, Osasuna's coach, is from Bilbao, but he has already achieved a victory against Athletic last season in Pamplona. He won't use players like Ruben, sanctioned, or Raoul Loe, injured. Miguel Flaño and Lolo will substitute them after resting against Levante last weekend, another important success in a game away the local stadium.

Meanwhile, Bielsa, Athletic's coach, is on the red line. They have lost their last three games against Espanyol, Malaga and their neighbours in Donosti-San Sebastian at San Mames stadium, Real Sociedad, and they are heading the relegation posts and need to win Osasuna to avoid those posts. Besides, Athletic's coach has got many problems with his players since the beginning of the season. After Javier Martinez's transfer to Bayern Munich and the announcement of next season sign with Juventus for Llorente, there are many doubts with Amorebieta or Iker Muniain, who has shown his lack of mature after his action last weekend at San Mames and his later speech.

Posible kickoff teams:
. Osasuna: Andres Fernandez; Marc Bertran, Arribas, Flaño, Damia; Lolo, Silva, Oier Sanjurjo, Armenteros, Nino; Kike Sola.
. Athletic: Iraizoz; Iraola, San Jose, Laporte, Aurtenetxe; Iturraspe, De Marcos, Herrera; Susaeta, Aduriz , Ibai Gómez.
Don't forget the referee: Fernando Teixeira Vitienes, with bad results for Osasuna matches!
Gora Osasuna! Aupa Rojillos!

Osasuna-Zaragoza, time for brotherhood and rivalry

 

Good afternoon, dear Osasunists! It's time to leave the red positions away. Osasuna and Zaragoza play at El Sadar with a similar goal: to win and leave the rival down at the classification.

Osasuna is in a positive journey towards that aim, as since the second round started they have won their two local matches against Deportivo and Celta. Besides, the "reds" got a draw ( 1-1 ) last Saturday against Mallorca away, though they could have won the three points, if Andres hadn't missed a ball.

Defense is the best position at Osasuna side and it is a strong team very difficult to beat. The weakest position is the forward where they didn't score many goals in the season. Another thing to bear in mind is the few victories at home, just four out of twelve matches.

Mendilibar, Osasuna's coach, is very unpredictable for a kickoff team, but it is supposed to play with Kike Sola, Cejudo or Arribas as different players from the ones who played in Mallorca.

On the other hand, Zaragoza F.C. are very worried of the confrontation, as they are determined to stay in First Division and they haven't been in relegation posts since the beginning of the season. Unfortunately, their new year matches haven't been successful and they only got two points in their matches in 2013.

Manolo Jimenez can't use some of their key players for this match. Alvaro Gonzalez and Helder Postiga, or Romaric are very important for the club but they can't play tonight. Therefore, the kickoff team will be very different from the usual one, and the new forward, Rochina, can  show his best.

Gora Osasuna!Aupa Rojillos!
Possible kickoff teams:
. Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Marc Bertrán, Arribas, Rubén, Damiá; Lolo, Oier Sanjurjo, Cejudo, Silva, Armenteros; Kike Sola.
. Zaragoza: Roberto; Sapunaru, Pintér, Paredes, Abraham; Movilla, José Mari; Víctor Rodríguez, Apoño, Montañés; Rochina.

Mallorca - Osasuna: the D day for our team

Good morning, dear Osasunists! Carnivals are here and people usually dress up and go to fancy dress parties in Navarra, and everywhere. This afternoon Osasuna plays against Real Mallorca and due to their similar outfit in red, they must dress up in grey, but I hope they will dress up as a fanstastic team that plays a good football in the pitch. Osasuna and Mallorca got a draw in the first round at El Sadar and we keep on saying that the goalaverage with relegation teams will be important at the end of the season. For the time being, Osasuna has a disadvantage with Depor and Celta as they won their home games, but Osasuna lost their average in goals.

Osasuna-Celta, a game to avoid relegation

 
Good afternoon, dear Osasunists! Osasuna starts their games in February against a direct rival to avoid relegation to Second Division: Celta from the Galician city of Vigo. Both teams are two points away and Osasuna represents the first team to go to Second Division next season. Mendilibar's team are in the way to swop positions and go ahead in the classification. Therefore, the match at El Sadar this afternoon at 16.00 is a key for next games in the month. There are more than three points to fight for, and we do not have to forget the goalaverage, as it happened against Deportivo de La Coruña two weeks ago. The match in the first round was for Celta ( 2-0 ). Osasuna must forget their defeat against F.C. Barcelona as it was very expected, and there were good attitudes from their players and only the referee's decission made the confrontation less interesting. EL Sadar stadium must be a fortress this month and increase the porcentage of victories in our stadium. THere are injured players like Sisi, sanctioned like Arribas, or the same coach Mendilibar, and other players in other competitions like Annan in the Africa Cup. On the other hand, Celta F.C. arrives at EL Sadar in a negative sequence of matches as they only got 4 points out of 33 possible points as visitant. Possible kickoff teams: Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Marc Bertrán, Rubén, Miguel Flaño, Damiá; Oier Sanjurjo, Raoul; Cejudo, Nino and Armenteros; Kike Sola. Celta: Javi Varas; Hugo Mallo, Cabral, Demidov, Roberto Lago; Oubiña, Natxo Insa; Toni, Bermejo, Pranjic; Iago Aspas. The League really starts this afternoon against Celta. GO FOR THEM! ( SEE THE TV CAMPAIGN ) Gora Osasuna!Aupa Rojillos!

Barça-Osasuna, a goalkeeper issue

Good Morning, dear Osasunists!

This evening Osasuna plays against F.C. Barcelona at Camp Nou at 19.00 hours after winning against Coruña in the first game of the second round of La Liga. Barça got their first defeat in La Liga this season against Real Sociedad at Anoeta Stadium. They have completed the best first round in the history of La Liga. But Messi's team had another bad score against Malaga F.C. in the first leg of the quarter final of Copa del Rey at Camp Nou too.


However, it seems to have got over the bad moments of last week results and they won Malaga ( 2-4 ) at La Rosaleda and have to play against Real Madrid for a post in the final of Copa del Rey. So, Osasuna may make a profit of this situation as they are considered a lower rival than next one for the semifinals. Roura, who will sit on the bench instead for Villanova, still under treatment for his illness,  might use different players from the habitual kickoff team. Piqué, who became a father this week after his couple Shakira gave birth to a son called Milan, can't play as he is sanctioned, but his substitute is even better, the captain Carles Puyol. Other players like Alves, Iniesta, Xavi or Pedro could have a rest for the match on Wednesday at El Bernabeu against Real Madrid, and Adriano, Thiago, Alexis or Villa could have the opportunity to show their talents against Osasuna.

On the other hand, as we can see, Osasuna can't think that the match will be easier, as even when we say the kickoff team of Barça won't be the habitual, the quality of the players are as good as the substituted ones. As a positive point for Mendilibar's team is the good attitude they had against Depor last weekend and the idea that they have nothing to lose in their game against Barcelona.

Yesterday results were in favour for Osasuna as their rivals to avoid relegation either lost their games or only got a point. And if it is supposed to take the defeat against Barça for granted, they may get an extra point that they didn't count at the beginning of the season.

The issue of the week was the substitute for Iker Casillas in Real Madrid, after his injury in his hand against Valencia in Copa del Rey. Andres Fernandez, Osasuna's goalkeeper was in the list of the desired for Mou, but in the end Diego Lopez, from Sevilla F.C. was signed for Real Madrid yesterday evening, and there was a relief in Osasuna. At least till the end of the season, as Valdes, the goalkeeper of Barcelona also said that he won't play at Camp Nou again next season. And we all know that Osasuna's goalkeepers are always well estimated by Barça chairmen and remember Juan Carlos Unzue, former Osasuna goalkeeper is the trainer of goalkeepers in F.C. Barcelona.
Andres Fernandez was quite nervous in the match against Real Madrid at El Sadar and everybody suspected that he was more interested in having a good evening act than in the final result. I hope it won't be the same this evening. We alll know that the general manager in Barça is another ex-goalkeeper, Andoni Zubizarreta, and he will take notes of Andres's acts.

Anyway, Mendilibar's team is strong in the defence line, not only because of Andres saves, but also the actions of Ruben, Arribas o Bertran. There will be two changes from the kickoff team last weekend, and it seems that Nano will play instead of Damia, sanctioned, and De las Cuevas instead for Armenteros. Patxi Puñal and Oier may have another opportunity to lead the team too.


Barcelona: Valdés; Adriano, Mascherano, Puyol, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Thiago, Cesc, Alexis, Messi and Villa.
Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Marc Bertrán, Rubén, Arribas, Nano; Puñal, Lolo, Cejudo, Nino, De las Cuevas; and Kike Sola.
Gora Osasuna! Aupa Rojillos!