Osasuna suffered a second consecutive La Liga EA Sports defeat, losing 2-0 to Espanyol at El Sadar. Striker Roberto Fernández Jaén was the executioner on the day with a first-half brace, capitalising on defensive frailties in the home area.
Manolo González's side took an early lead. In the third minute, Marcos Fernández, making his first start after scoring against Sevilla, assisted Roberto Fernández for the opener. The second came in the 17th, from the same player following a pass from Omar El Hilali, who celebrated his birthday with an assist. Goalkeeper Dmitrovic was secure and commanding in the air to keep a clean sheet.
Individual performances
On the Osasuna side, the attack failed to find its rhythm. Ante Budimir, the team's top scorer this season with 4 goals in 5 appearances, was given a tough time by marker Riedel. In midfield, the partnership of Edu Expósito and Javi Hernández worked well in build-up, but play was too concentrated on the right flank, leaving Dolan with few chances to shows his one-on-one ability. In defence, Moscardo performed correctly without complications and Álex Calatrava showed determination to win back his place.
The result leaves Osasuna in 11th place in the standings, with 7 points from a possible 15 and a record of 2 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses. The team has conceded 8 goals and scored 5, for a negative goal difference of -3. They now sit 8 points behind leaders Barcelona.
The schedule offers no respite. The next challenge is a trip to the Metropolitano to face fourth-placed Atlético Madrid on Wednesday, 16 September. The Navarrese side will look to end their losing run in a always difficult venue.
First reported at Mundo Deportivo
