30-12-1990 : A historical day for Osasuna

Good day, my dear Osasunists!

TODAY IT WAS THE DAY! A day like today, but 25 years ago, Osasuna made history in Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

I couldn't believe it! I was having dinner with my friends, I was 20 years old, studying at university and preparing our New Year's Eve. We weren't going to dress up as many youngsters did and do in Pamplona, but we wanted to celebrate a different New Year's Eve, and Osasuna gave us the excuse.

When we found out the score, we couldn't imagine the historical score: 0-4. We asked people to repeat the result several times, and when we arrived home we couldn't watch the match in any computer because they didn't exist, we couldn't connect with Internet or youtube to watch the highlights, because they didn't exist, but fortunately there are videos and the TV's channels could put the videos on the following day, and we celebrated, as Osasunists, an incredible New Year's Eve 1990.

There have been many good games ( and bad, of course, but now are irrelevant ) in the history of Osasuna, but after the Promotion in 1979/80 or the UEFA classification and games in 1984/85 and the following season with the European games at El Sadar, it was the most important in the Spanish League, which wasn't yet known as La Liga and stars like Messi or Ronaldo weren't born either.

As the slogan of the supporters of Osasuna says this season : VOLVEREMOS ( WE WILL BE BACK ) and the game against Sabadell last season is still in my memory, but 0-4 against REAL MADRID,...UFFFFF! IT IS THE GAME!

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!

Osasuna-Real Madrid, dare to play with the ranks?

Good afternoon, dear Osasunists! Today we are going to have an early lunch, probably a brunch, as Osasuna plays at El Sadar against the powerful and millionaire Real Madrid. There is a real conjure in the players to repeat their perfomance against the actual leader in La Liga: F.C. Barcelona, that resulted with a draw against the Catalonians.

But there is a main difference between both matches: the date of the confrontation. It is, because the competition is going ahead and actually the first round is going to finish at the beginning of the first month of 2014. Besides, Ancelotti's team is about to reach their eternal rival in the classification after being six points down last November and with many doubts in their supporters to win the home championship.

Anyway, Osasuna players have also improved their play and the team is now more relaxed with their situation in La Liga and with positive results in their last two matches, overall away, against Real Valladolid ( 0-1 ) in La Liga and their last confrotation in Copa del Rey, when they started their match with a 3-0 against and got over to reach a final (3-3) which gives hope to repeat a double confrontation with the rival this afternoon.

It is true that it is marked in red in any Osasuna player's calendar, but I am quite disappointed with this competition as it is led to a confrontation between Barça and Real Madrid, though the neighbour Atletico is struggling to disturb both rivals. Therefore, I come out with the idea of playing with the ranks, the young players of Osasuna, as it is a big effort for the least rich clubs in La Liga to compete aginst the multi-millionaire owners of clubs like Real Madrid and Barça.

A VIDEO TO ACCEPT RONALDO'S IDEAS Thanks to the rivalry and wrath the white team provokes in most supporters of Osasuna there is a tiny kinterest in the match, but if you have a look to the ticket sale, not only the price of the tickets or the crisis the reason for the low income, but also the scarce interest to watch an unbalanced confrontation.

Media groups try to encourage Navarrians to look on the bright side of the confrontations against Real Madrid. Lately, Osasuna have won two matches, lost other two and got a draw in their last five matches in El Sadar against those "galactic" players. On the other hand, Osasuna is a worse team at El Sadar than away, as they only won against Elche (2-1) and Rayo Vallecano (3-1). Supporters have seen a "victorious" draw against Barcelona ( 0-0 ) and four defeats against real rivals for the final goal: avoiding relegation Granada (1-2), Villarreal (0-3), Levante (0-1) and Almería (0-1).

Javi Gracia, Osasuna's coach, can play with Marc Bertrán, Arribas and Lolo, after giving them some rest in the confrontation against Malaga in La Copa, but the Great Captain, an important player for matches like this one, Patxi Puñal can't play this afternoon. That fact raises another issue for me: the referees. I see that their role is not only essential but also difficult to do, but I strongly agree with those people who think that a fault or a penalty against Osasuna is easier to whistle than against the powerful Real Madrid.

Possible kickoff teams:
Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Marc Bertrán, Loties, Arribas, Damiá; Silva, Lolo; Cejudo, Armenteros, Torres; Oriol Riera.
Real Madrid: Diego López; Arbeloa, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo; Xabi Alonso, Illarramendi; Bale, Isco, Cristiano Ronaldo; Benzema.

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-Real Madrid, the scary match

Good afternoon, dear Osasunists!

This evening is the D day for many Osasuna supporters as one of our hatred teams, Real Madrid, is visiting our fortress: EL SADAR! We expect to watch the third victory at our stadium!

Osasuna is not that strong team that used to be in their stadium, now that everybody renames it as EL SADAR. Even away from their stadium the results are negative and the good expectations Osasuna got in November became a nightmare in December and continue with the first game in 2013 against Sevilla F.C. Osasuna is the last in the classification with five defeats out of the last six games.

The last game that ended with a victory at El Sadar was on December 2, it was against the surprising Rayo (1-0). Since then, there are many doubts in Mendilibar's team and decissions and there is more about miracles than good game. There is lack of efectiveness towards the goal and messy football, though we sometimes have to blame some referees' decissions to avoid a better result for Osasuna.

The figures in Osasuna are low: it is the team with the least scored goals in La Liga, though Andres Fernandez, their goalkeeper, is one of the best in this season too. Osasuna players have only scored 14 goals in 18 games. 

On the other hand, Real Madrid F.C. is an irregular team when they are visitors. Mou's team won four games and lost three away games. They got a draw at the Camp Nou, the invictus team in La Liga.
 
There are many abscences in both teams, but we mustn't compare the differences between teams. Mendilibar can't use the injured Sisi, Riesgo or Masoud. The Basque coach has to add Annan, who is playing The Africa Cup and Nano, Torres ( I don't agree ), Onwu and Lamah ( who is said to be about to leave towards the Premier ) are out due to technical decisions.

We must remember that the winter market is open and Osasuna used to incorporate an ex-goalkeeper, Ricardo, and this week De Las Cuevas, from GIjon, signed for Osasuna. The first one will be on the bench as the second goalkeeper and the midfielder can have an opportunity to show his abilities.

Real Madrid and other teams always point out the visit to Pamplona as one of the most difficult places to play. The size of the stadium and the untiring supporting chants of the audience must be two in-favour marks for Osasuna. Mou started complaining that he can't use thre key players in his team: Pepe and Ramos, as defenders, two of the most violent and disgusting players in my opinion who should be banned from the stadiums all over the world.

Besides, the most brilliant player, after Leo Messi, of course, is also absent at EL SADAR. He is scared of listening our hatring chants and our rhymes saying the true about his poor game at EL Sadar. He is arrogant, a showoff person and rude: HE IS CRISTIANO RONALDO. To be honest with him, he has saved his coach's throat in the last two games against Real Sociedad and in La Copa del Rey against Celta.

Mou has to use his SECOND GOALKEEPER: IKER CASILLAS. Yes, he is considered unfit by the Portuguese coach and it is said that the relationship between both people is absolutely broken. It is incredible that daddy Florentino Perez don't use his powerful decissions to take over Mou and substitute him for another real Real Madrid lover! But I suppose the money he has to pay for a dismiss is scandalous.

The scandal is the amount of points Barça is ahead the most hatred rival: 16 points. And Mou decided to take it for granted that they can't win this Liga, therefore his goals are the Champions and Copa del Rey. So, perhaps it is a good opportunity for Osasuna to ge a fantastic victory.


GORA OSASUNA!AUPA ROJILLOS!

Probable kickoff:
Osasuna: Andrés; Marc, Arribas, Flaño, Damiá; Puñal, Oier , Cejudo, Armenteros; Nino; and Sola.
Real Madrid: Casillas; Arbeloa, Varane, Carvalho, Marcelo; Khedira, Alonso, Callejón, Özil; Higuaín or Di María and Benzema.

Osasuna-Real Madrid, time for dreaming!

Good afternoon, dear Osasunists! We are a few hours ahead from a long waited game and Osasuna is in the best situation in the classification to receive one of the most desired rivals in La Liga: the leader! The team from the capital of the actual kingdom of Spain is visiting us and they know they are one of the most hatred teams in El Sadar ( this is one of the moments I most hate the change of the stadium name ). Besides, the rival is also concerned of their game and the short distance from their main rival: Barça! If Osasuna win the white team, what is something possible, La Liga will be very interesting for the final games, as the actual leader must visit difficult stadiums like El Sadar, Vicente Calderón and San Mamés, and of course, the Camp Nou in Barcelona. The "Portuguese" team still think they may make a historical mark if the victory is in their side tonight, after 19 win matches this season, including European competitions. There is a sense in the Spanish kingdom capital that it is an easy game for them, and they didn't have to make a hard effort in their match this week against Apoel from Nicosia ( 0-3 ) in the Champions League. Most of the possible kickoff players had time to rest and even one of the least used players in that team like Nuri Sahin had a chance to play last Tuesday. But La Liga is different. There are team with similar levels and though the mass media try to concentrate the championship in only two teams, like a Second Division Liga and no the so called Liga de Las Estrellas, Osasuna is capable to beat any powerful team as they showed against the best team in the world with the best player of the world, Barça and Leo Messi. We must remember that there are some players who can't play this evening after last round in La Liga. Pepe, the killer, is sanctioned and a young player like Rafael Varane is taking over. Kedhira is injured and Xabi Alonso and Sahin are back to play together. The coach may think for a skillful player like Kaká or a hardworking like Coentrao. What is undoubtable is that the two area killers will be in the kickoff team: Benzema and CR7. On the other hand, Osasuna is in a good moment too. We play in our stadium with our supporters, who are pushing their team in each moment and giving a sense of fear to the rival team. We got the desired target: keeping our side in First Division, and it is time to surprise the rivals, the mass media and the home supporters and win an always over prouded team. There is an enormous trust on Osasuna's coach, Mendilibar, who will be on the beach next season again, as he signed a new year contract this week. It has nothing to do with any revenge as they try to sell from the capital. The "Reds" lost in the first leg with a huge score in the white stadium, but it happened the same in the Camp Nou, and Osasuna were able to beat Barça in El Sadar. YES, WE CAN! It is the cry we need to bear in mind and we did last year ( 1-0 ). Perhaps the situation is different, for both. Osasuna isn't at all pressed by the classification, but " the whites" are. Kickoff teams Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Damià, Sergio, Miguel Flaño, Roversio; Puñal, Nekounam; Cejudo, Raúl García, Nino; Lekic. Real Madrid: Casillas; Arbeloa, Varane, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo; Khedira, Xabi Alonso, Coentrao or Kaká; Özil, Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema. Referee: Muñiz Fernández. Stadium: EL SADAR ( Reyno de Navarra ). AUPA ROJILLOS! GORA OSASUNA!

Real Madrid-Osasuna, football in Chinese????

GOOD MORNING,dear OSASUNISTS!It seems that some people notice the uncomfortable time of a match for a Sunday morning!It has been necessary to hold a match against the powerful Real Madrid to arise a debate about the crazy timetable of the football matches in La Liga for this season.
Remember that Osasuna inaugurated the morning matches the first day of the season 2011-12 against another team from the capital city of Spain, Atletico de Madrid.
As everybody knows this timetable is the fault of the TV power and the Chinese market. I was listening to the radio yesterday and the speakers were complaining for the time and also the lose of viewers from America, another powerful market of football fans and followers of the Spanish League.
Anyway, let's concentrate on the match itself. We visit a hostile stadium with very violent and arrogant supporters, and overall hooligans. We sometimes listen and read comments about the violence and the insults of the hooligans in El Sadar- now that the sponsor is finished I am back to my loving name for Osasuna stadium-. But nobody talks of the f...Ultra Sur towards the Basque, the people from Navarra, the history...by the way, if they talk about a conquer in 1512, what will the most probable government after 20-N celebrate in 2012?
Well, that's politics and that is not the aim of my blog or my article today! I have never hidden my dislike for the most famous team from Madrid and for their actual coach, but I know that they have overcome their game deficit and there is a positive atmosphere in their club. Even it is clear that Mou's speeches have changed and he is more educated and tolerant!
Now, we, the Osasunists supporters are reluctant to go to their stadium for two reasons, for the insults we get from Real Madrid supporters, and because the gap between both teams' quality is enormous! Besides, there are nine players of the initial team who can't play this morning!
Good luck, Osasuna!Aupa Rojillos!

Osasuna-Real Madrid, a decafinated derby

Good afternoon, dear Osasunists!
This afternoon-evening we are going to watch one of the most expected matches of the season for Osasuna supporters: the visit of Real Madrid. ( I'm going to break my word of the year: not to say the name of the white team from the capital city of Spain- it would be a very difficult article to write! )
Anyway, the confrontation is a bit decafinated, as I said in the heading for many reasons. First, the traditional gap in quality which is huger year after year! That gap used to be confronted in Osasuna with the illusion and support from the people in the stadium, but lately the supporters and the team are divided in Osasuna by the coach, Camacho, and the chairman, Izco ( both are well-known Real Madrid supporters, by the way ).
Real Madrid used to arrive in Pamplona with the feeling of anxiety and nervousness even when they were at the top of the League, and were, like now, full of football stars. But there are comments, even from the white team, that they go to a friend stadium and they do not feel uncomfortable in Pamplona!
On the other hand, I have the feeling that there is much more interests in the benches than in the field itself. Camacho and Mourinho have eclipsed the interest in both teams and both supporters may have problems to say the kickoff players, overall in Osasuna side, as some of the traditional players have left or are injured. Juanfran's leaving has not been replaced successfully by the new players and his effort and courage either by other "captains" like Puñal or Camuñas.
Finally, I am interested in watching the match, but I have the feeling that I will be depicted by Osasuna players as I have been lately in Almeria, for instance, that even the result may seem to be a disputed match, do not forget that Osasuna lost 2-0 by minute 20 in the first half. It is very difficult to win a game with a bad result like that, and if Osasuna players are not tense and connected from the kickoff moment, it will be imposible to confront the quality of players in Real Madrid!
Gora Osasuna!Aupa Rojillos!

Osasuna-Sporting, a historical derby

Good afternoon, dear Osasunists! Today we receive the visit of a historical team and very appreciated one, not only for their players, but also for their supporters: Sporting F.C., from Gijon, in Asturias.

Some weeks ago I talked about my first football albums. It was when Osasuna was about to play against Hercules F.C. Sporting was in that same album and Osasuna wasn't. One of my idols in football was a former Sporting player and later F.C. Barcelona star: Enrique Castro, "Quini", a football myth( Now Sporting fans bring his memories with Villa ).

We are in November 2010, and history is back again!And both teams must struggle to avoid relegation at the end of the season. Remember that Osasuna rivals are those one which play against Real Madrid the previous week. Therefore, there have been few articles about this match and more about the confrontation between Preciado, Sporting's coach, and the coach of the white team from Madrid. ( by the way, I am not longer going to name either Real Madrid nor Mourinho here. THEY DO NOT DESERVE ANY PROPAGANDA ) Only a final sentence for this topic: AUPA PRECIADO!!! ( YOU HAVE MY SUPPORT AND MORE OSASUNISTS!!! )

Manolo Preciado is one of those football coach I really like, and I'd like to have on my side, because he teaches his players the idea of effort, hardwork and possibility that Camacho might not know how to transmit. Some days ago I read an article in a newspaper in Pamplona about the lack of support at the Reyno de Navarra stadium and the divorce between us, the supporters, and the team ( considering not only the players, but also the chairman and his men, and the coach ). I think one of the guiltiest people is Camacho, and Izco because his stubborness to keep Camacho on Osasuna's bench ).

Let's talk about the match itself now, as I have talked about history, support and hate for other teams, and the problems of Osasuna; but I haven't said anything about this afternnon game. Osasuna got one more victory than Sporting and that is the reason of the difference in the classification between both teams. But there isn't much hope to see a brilliant match at the Reyno, as Sporting and Osasuna do not characterize their confrontations for scoring many goals.

Sporting have not won any match away this season ( ufff!problems!!! you know how Osasuna is a good team to break statistics. You'll see how much we'll suffer to keep the points home this afternoon )

GORA OSASUNA!AUPA ROJILLOS!

My weekend

On Saturday I get up at 9 o'clock I play with my computer or watch TV, then I eat breakfast and I do the homework and some Saturdays I go out with my friends or with my parents...

Then I eat and I turn on the computer, and then at 4 o'clock I go to the street with my friends.

Then I go home at 9 o'clock I eat the dinner and I go to bed to watch a film.

On Sunday I get up at the same hour as on Saturdays and I do the same as on Saturdays but some Sundays I go to eat at my grandparents'...

Then I take my bicycle and I go to the street. Some Sundays I go with my father to see Real Madrid on TV and then I go home, I have dinner and I go to bed to start the routine...

David vs. Goliath

Hello, again! A new football weekend is here and after the mandatory stop because the International matches for the European Cup 2012 ( congratulations Monreal ), we restart the League confrontations.

And the "debut" in the away matches is the most difficult one. Perhaps it's the best option for Osasuna, as the rival is Real Madrid, and after the pre-season matches Mourinho's team is not very well-formed and the Portuguese coach hasn't concluded his style in the " white team " (equipo blanco).

But all Osasuna supporters always fear this confrontation, and also expect the best and the worst from our players. Do not forget that this year is the 20th anniversary of the famous 0-4 ( thanks to Urban ) at the Bernabeu or the 6th anniversary of the last success in Madrid.

I've already talked about my opinion of Osasuna's coach and his past. There's another opportunity for him to show his best and motivate his players to do their best. I'll always support Osasuna's players in this kind of matches, but please do not make us feel embarrased or betrayed.

Gora Osasuna! Aupa Rojillos!

Real Madrid-Osasuna, is it necessary to play?

Hello Osasunists! Here I am again for my weekly article. But, to be honest I was about to abandone and leave it for a better moment. Perhaps that moment could be on Wednesday evening when Osasuna is playing at Reyno de Navarra stadium against Deportivo de La Coruña, but what I'm definitely sure is that that moment is not this evening in Madrid against Real Madrid.

Osasuna is playing against Real Madrid at 19.00 today at Santiago Bernabeu stadium and I can't find a single Osasunist worried or anxious to watch the match. There are a couple of reasons for that feeling among us, Osasuna supporters.

Let's see! First, Osasuna seem to be in a "safe" position in the League classification so far. According to some football journalists and specialists and due to yesterday results there are eight teams in a worse position than Osasuna. Xerez ( 30 ), Valladolid ( 33 ), and Tenerife ( 35 ) would be relegated to Second Division now if the competition come to an end. Besides, there are Malaga ( 35 ), Racing ( 36 ), Zaragoza ( 37 ), Sporting and Almeria ( 38 ) with less points than Osasuna now ( 39 ).

Anyway, Osasuna is not completely safe yet, and a victory at Bernabeu ( a miracle so far! ) or a draw ( something posible in another situation ) could help Osasuna climb in the League ( as Espanyol-41- and Deportivo-44- lost yesterday too ). Therefore, a defeat this afternoon against Real Madrid will make Osasuna have to win against Lotina's team next Wednesday. Three matches are left to finish ( apart from this afternoon's ) and we aren't sure to be in First Division next season yet. There isn't any opportunity to leave behind.

The second reason to be less motivated for Osasuna this afternoon though is politics. No. I'm not talking about Zapatero, Rajoy, or any other national or local politicians. I'm talking about football politics and favours.

Last year, Osasuna was in a delicated situation, about to be relegated and Real Madrid "helped" as eveyone recognises they didn't play their best and the final ( 2-1 ) result made Osasuna be this season in First Division again. It is also known that Real Madrid won the League two years ago in Pamplona and that is a nightmare for many Osasunists to remember.

My only curiosity for this afternoon game is to know if the result may be short or too dishonest for real Osasunists. During the week the football comments were for the match Barça-Inter, and Thursday was the day for preparing the weekend matches. The problem is that half Osasunists were happier because Barcelona is not playing the Champions League final at Bernabeu and Osasuna may help their second loved team to win the League. And the other half were quite disappointed for the result at Camp Nou and the lack of motivation from Osasuna players is provoking less interest for this afternoon match. Sometimes I feel envious of Bilbao supporters!!

All in all, and to come to an end I have read an interview to Camacho in EL PAIS this morning and there is no single reference to his actual team, Osasuna. During this week it has been announced that he will be a reporter for Tele5 in the World Championship, and I wonder Is Osasuna his main interest now? Who is going to be blamed for a defeat this afternoon? What are his players going to play five-a-side football or rugby, as last week against Athletic? Is it necessary to play this afternoon? Why don't we give up and give away three more points, for Real Madrid this afternoon?

Gora Osasuna1 Aupa Rojillos!
( even for this afternoon )

Osasuna-Real Madrid, the first match of the year

P.D. : THIS IS A PHOTO AT A PRO-REAL MADRID BLOG. SEE THEIR IDEA OF A FOOTBALL GAME IN PAMPLONA

Osasuna-Real Madrid is the first confrontation this year, 2010, at the Reyno Stadium. It's the best match of the League to start a New Year.
Real Madrid C.F. visit is always a reason to arise passion and emotion in our hearts. Since the beginning of the so-called Liga de las Estrellas, there are many people who gather at the airport and the surroundings of the hotel where the best footballers of the world usually stay in in Pamplona.
But it happened the same years and decades ago when Di Stefano, Juanito, Butrageño, Raul or Zidane, before Cristiano Ronaldo, used to visit El Sadar stadium to play the match against Osasuna.
It was in 1933 when Real Madrid first played against Osasuna for a leg in La Copa del Rey. The game was in the previous field of San Juan and Osauna lost 0-3. Then, Di Stefano played in that same stadium at San Juan in 1954 and he never had a good perfomance against Osasuna.
There were other Real Madrid star players who didn't play as it was expected, but many times there has been a sense of hatred passion as it happened with Juanito. I remember his plays in el Sadar, but the one everyone will remember is when someone threw a pig with a number seven white Real Madrid shirt to the pitch. That was the image of "chuleria", typical showoff of people from Madrid and supporters of Real Madrid.
Later, in the last 80's and beginning of 90's there was another style in Real Madrid: La Quinta del Buitre and Hugo Sánchez. It was a period of big trophies in the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
Finally, it's the time of Raul, the so-called Galácticos and now Cristiano, Kaká, Benzemá,etc. Raul has only scored once at Osasuna stadium, in 2000; Zidane never scored and got two defeats in Pamplona. What will it happen tonight with Cristiano?