Osasuna stages a dramatic late comeback, securing a 2-2 draw against Mallorca after being two goals down at Estadio El Sadar.
Osasuna staged a dramatic late comeback to salvage a 2-2 draw against Mallorca at Estadio El Sadar. Ante Budimir's stoppage-time strike completed a thrilling fightback.
The encounter pitted 10th-placed Osasuna against a struggling Mallorca side in 18th position. Mallorca entered desperate for points, having endured a difficult run of form.
The match began with a tense, physical atmosphere, leading to early bookings. Osasuna's Ruben Garcia received a yellow card in the 22nd minute.
Mallorca's Pablo Torre and Martin Valjent also received cautions shortly after. Osasuna's A. Lisci picked up a yellow card before the halftime whistle.
It was Mallorca who broke the deadlock in the 35th minute. Vedat Muriqi expertly found the net, giving the visitors a valuable lead.
Mallorca carried their one-goal advantage into the break. Osasuna needed a more incisive attacking approach in the second half.
Mallorca started the second half strongly, extending their lead in the 61st minute. Vedat Muriqi secured his double, converting an assist from Sergi Darder. Pablo Maffeo and L. Roman received yellow cards for Mallorca.
The game then turned chaotic. Mallorca's Jose Virgili saw red in the 73rd minute for a foul, reducing the visitors to ten men. Osasuna's Ruben Garcia also saw red in the 82nd minute, balancing the numbers.
With both teams down to ten men, Osasuna found a lifeline in the 89th minute. Substitute Kike Barja provided a crucial goal, assisted by V. Munoz, igniting hope.
The comeback was completed deep into stoppage time. Ante Budimir, assisted by Moi Gomez, slotted home in the 90+4 minute, sending the Estadio El Sadar crowd into raptures. Mallorca's Samu Costa received a late yellow card.
Statistics showed Osasuna's persistence, registering 22 total shots compared to Mallorca's 8. Osasuna's expected goals (xG) of 2.46 showed their attacking intent, against Mallorca's 1.08. Possession was evenly split.
This thrilling 2-2 draw sees Osasuna remain in 10th place. Mallorca gains a vital point in their battle against relegation. The dramatic finish will surely be remembered.
