Osasuna claimed their first league win of the season by coming from behind to beat Celta Vigo 1-2 at Balaídos. The Navarrese side weathered a difficult first half and capitalised on a red card for Marcos Alonso and a subsequent penalty to secure three valuable points.
The match started with Celta dominating possession. Iago Aspas opened the scoring in the 13th minute after a superb individual move, finishing a through ball from Miguel Román. Luis Miguel Ramis's team struggled to win the ball back and were pinned by the hosts' high press throughout the first period, reaching halftime without creating any real danger.
The game's dynamic shifted dramatically early in the second half. In the 53rd minute, a heavy challenge by Marcos Alonso on substitute Iker Muñoz was reviewed by VAR. Referee Miguel Sesma Espinosa overturned his initial yellow card and showed a straight red to the Celta defender, reducing the home side to ten men.
Just ten minutes later, Osasuna drew level. A cross from the right flank found Kike Barja, who finished first-time to make it 1-1. The parity was short-lived. In the 63rd minute, the referee awarded a penalty to Osasuna after a ball from a corner struck Javi Galán on the chest and then his arm. Ante Budimir stepped up to convert the spot-kick with a powerful, placed shot.
With the lead and a man advantage, Osasuna managed the remainder of the game expertly. Celta, lacking their earlier rhythm and attacking ideas, failed to create clear chances to equalise. The win leaves Ramis's side with four points from two matches, a solid start visible in the league standings.
"It was a game of great suffering at the start, but the team knew how to react and be smart with the numerical advantage," manager Luis Miguel Ramis explained after the final whistle. The Navarrese coach made five changes from the side that drew with Levante on matchday one, seeking freshness on a pitch affected by week-long rain.
The victory in Vigo provides a significant morale boost for the squad as they look ahead to their next fixture at El Sadar. The upcoming schedule presents an immediate challenge, but confidence is now higher after a hard-fought comeback on the road. Securing points in the next game will be key to building on this positive start.
