Villarreal break down Osasuna’s wall to come from behind and claim victory
Villarreal secured a hard-fought win over Osasuna in a match that demanded patience and perseverance. The Navarrese side went down to ten men but immediately took the lead from the penalty spot. Faced with that scenario, the Submarino Amarillo remained persistent and found the breakthrough in the second half thanks to goals from Mikautadze and Gueye. The team put on an impressive display and recorded their third home win in three matches at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
Marcelino’s side returned home after several weeks on the road. Villarreal welcomed Osasuna with enthusiasm and determination to continue their winning run at La Cerámica, a ground where they had already triumphed in both home fixtures this season.
The coach made changes to the starting XI compared to the Champions League clash against Tottenham. Only Luiz Júnior, Foyth, Mikautadze, Gueye and Pepe retained their places. Rafa Marín, Ilias Akhomach, Thomas Partey, Moleiro, Pedraza and Pau Navarro were the new starters.
The game began at a high pace, with both teams creating early chances. Before the fifth minute, Villarreal and Osasuna had already tested each other’s goal. Moleiro came close to connecting with a superb Mikautadze pass, slicing into the heart of the area but narrowly missing the finish. On the next move, Osasuna launched a quick counter, with Rubén García entering the box, only for Pedraza to intervene in a crucial last-ditch tackle.
Before the 20th minute, Osasuna had a clear chance to take the lead. Budimir flicked a header from the edge of the area to Víctor Muñoz, who fired a low, angled strike that went just wide.
As the match opened up, Villarreal gradually grew into the game and began creating more danger. Around the half-hour mark, Akhomach forced a strong save from Sergio Herrera after controlling a sublime Mikautadze pass with his heel. Just a minute later, it was the Georgian striker testing Herrera again, but the Osasuna keeper stayed alert.
In the 40th minute, Osasuna were reduced to ten players following the sending off of Rosier. The right-back, already on a yellow card, fouled Pedraza to halt a promising run down the left flank.
In stoppage time of the first half, a controversial penalty was awarded to Osasuna for an alleged handball by Thomas Partey after a clear challenge from Juan Cruz. Despite protests from players and fans, referee Díaz de Mera stuck to his decision, and Budimir converted from the spot to give the visitors a 0-1 lead at the break.
At the start of the second half, Buchanan replaced Akhomach, who had suffered a heavy knock in the first period.
From the first minute of the restart, Villarreal pressed for the equaliser. With the numerical advantage, the Yellows pinned Osasuna back, who struggled to leave their own half. In the 51st minute, Sergio Herrera produced a spectacular save to deny Pau Navarro’s powerful strike from the edge of the area.
Marcelino’s men continued to push relentlessly, while Osasuna sought to manage their lead, showing impressive defensive resilience and barely venturing forward.
In the 57th minute, Santi Comesaña and Tani Oluwaseyi replaced Thomas and Pau Navarro. Later, Solomon and Renato Veiga came on for Moleiro and Foyth, adding strength and attacking presence to maintain the team’s intensity and finishing power.
As the game wore on, Villarreal grew ever more dominant. The breakthrough came when Solomon delivered a perfect cross on his first touch, which Mikautadze delicately headed into the net to level the score. The Georgian striker’s goal lifted the crowd and sent the Submarino Amarillo in search of the winner.
Villarreal continued to dominate, and Osasuna struggled to cope. In the 79th minute, Mikautadze had another chance after a clever move in the box, meeting a precise Pedraza delivery, but his shot went over the bar.
The breakthrough came moments later. Oluwaseyi’s effort, deflected off Pape Gueye, found the back of the net to make it 2-1, completing a well-deserved turnaround.
In the closing stages, Luiz Júnior showcased his quality with two crucial saves to deny Osasuna further chances, while Oluwaseyi came close to sealing the win with a one-on-one effort, brilliantly kept out by Herrera. The Yellow Submarine held on for a thoroughly deserved victory.
