La Liga
Osasuna snatch late winner over Celta Vigo after extra-man advantage
A dramatic second half saw Osasuna convert a penalty and score an extra-man goal to overturn Celta Vigo's early lead in their La Liga opener at Balaídos.
Osasuna came from behind to defeat Celta Vigo 2-1 in their La Liga opener at Estadio Abanca Balaídos, with the match defined by a red card and a late surge from the visitors.
The home side started brightly, with Iago Aspas putting Celta Vigo ahead in the 14th minute. A well-worked move saw the captain slot the ball home, assisted by M. Roman, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead at the break.
Osasuna pulled one back early in the second half when K. Barja struck in the 54th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Celta Vigo. The goal shifted momentum firmly in the visitors' direction.
Just nine minutes later, Osasuna were awarded a penalty after a handball in the box. A. Budimir stepped up and confidently converted, leveling the scoreline and adding pressure to the home side.
The turning point came in the 51st minute when Celta Vigo had M. Alonso sent off, reducing the hosts to ten men for the remainder of the match. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Celta Vigo managed to hold on for a period before conceding twice in quick succession.
Referee Miguel Sesma Espinosa kept a tight rein on proceedings, booking J. Moncayola of Osasuna in the 27th minute for a late challenge. The visitors, however, remained composed under pressure and made their extra-man advantage count.
Both teams entered the match with high hopes, but defensive errors and disciplinary issues ultimately decided the outcome. Celta Vigo will rue the red card and missed opportunities, while Osasuna capitalized on every chance they were given.
The result leaves both sides with one point each from their opening fixture. Osasuna sit 11th in the table while Celta Vigo occupy 12th, with plenty of work to do in the weeks ahead.
Osasuna's resilience was on full display as they completed the comeback, showing character and determination to secure all three points away from home.
For Celta Vigo, the loss will be a bitter pill to swallow, especially given the early lead and the support of their home crowd at Balaídos.
Looking ahead, both teams will regroup and prepare for their next fixtures, with Osasuna buoyed by their performance and Celta Vigo needing to address their defensive frailties.
The match will be remembered for its dramatic swings, a sending-off, and a penalty that proved decisive in a tightly contested opening-day encounter.
La Liga action continues next week with both teams hoping to bounce back from or build on this opening result.