Osasuna secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Girona, with Ante Budimir's late goal finally breaking the visitors' resilient defense at Estadio El Sadar.
Osasuna clinched a crucial 1-0 win over Girona at Estadio El Sadar on March 21, 2026. Striker Ante Budimir emerged as the hero, drilling home the decisive goal in the 80th minute.
This La Liga encounter pitted two mid-table teams. Both sides entered the fixture level on 34 points after 28 games. A win would significantly boost their league aspirations.
The first half highlighted Girona’s strong defense and Paulo Gazzaniga’s goalkeeping brilliance. Osasuna pressed intensely, creating numerous attempts. Victor Muñoz proved especially active, unleashing several dangerous shots.
Gazzaniga, however, stood firm, making save after save. Girona's Viktor Tsygankov received a yellow card in the 39th minute for holding. Despite Osasuna’s 11 shots, the teams went into the break level at 0-0.
At halftime, Osasuna needed to find a way past the inspired Girona goalkeeper. Their shot dominance required a breakthrough. Girona, meanwhile, needed to craft more attacking threats.
The second half mirrored the first, with Osasuna pushing relentlessly for an opener. Girona absorbed pressure well, hoping for a counter. Osasuna's Johan Galan received a yellow card in the 59th minute for rough play.
Substitutions began around the hour mark. Osasuna introduced Kike Barja for Aimar Oroz in the 69th minute, a pivotal change. The decisive moment arrived in the 80th minute when Barja delivered a precise assist.
Ante Budimir met the cross with power, side-footing it past the outstretched Gazzaniga. The stadium erupted as Osasuna finally broke the deadlock. Girona's late substitutions came too late to change the tide.
Immediately after the goal, Osasuna made triple substitutions in the 83rd minute, including goalscorer Budimir. Girona pressed for an equalizer, but their efforts were futile. Jon Moncayola then received a yellow card in added time for delaying the game.
Osasuna’s attacking dominance was evident in the statistics. They registered 19 total shots, with 11 on target, against Girona’s 5 total and zero on target. Their expected goals (xG) of 1.9 highlighted superiority. Paulo Gazzaniga’s 10 saves were exceptional.
This hard-fought win propels Osasuna three points clear of Girona in La Liga standings. It provides a vital boost for their season. Girona will need to improve their attacking output.
