Osasuna secured a 2-0 victory over Racing Santander in matchday nine of LaLiga EA Sports, a much-needed win that improves their standing in the table. The goals came from an Ante Budimir penalty in the first half and a late strike from Asier Osambela, sealing the three points at El Sadar.

The match started brightly, with Osasuna seeing an early Dubasin goal ruled out by VAR in the fifth minute. The response was swift. Four minutes later, Budimir stepped up to convert a penalty with authority, putting his side ahead. The Croatian striker, the team's top scorer this season with six goals, once again proved his reliability from the spot.

Leading 1-0, Osasuna controlled the tempo and created more chances, racking up a total of twenty shots. Racing, who enjoyed 60% possession in the second half, could not find an equaliser despite managing five shots on target. Goalkeeper Aitor Fernández made a key save in the 90th minute to preserve the clean sheet.

The decisive second goal arrived with just two minutes remaining. After a series of tactical substitutions, Asier Osambela finished off a team move to double the lead and secure the points. The manager made five changes during the game, including the introductions of Torró for Muñoz and Osambela for Moi Gómez in the 67th minute.

This result provides vital breathing room for an Osasuna side that, prior to this match, sat 16th in the league with just eight points. The win helps them pull away from the relegation places as they look ahead to their next fixture, an away trip to face fifth-placed Sevilla on October 26th.

Budimir received a yellow card in the 60th minute, while Racing's Salinas was booked in the 51st. The referee was Martínez Munuera, who added three minutes of stoppage time. Osasuna lined up in a 4-4-2 formation with Budimir and Dubasin up front, while Racing deployed a 4-5-1. The hosts were without Herrando and Oroz, absences the squad managed to overcome.

The last meeting between these sides, on October 18th, ended with the same scoreline. Osasuna will now look to build positive momentum after a difficult start to the campaign, which has seen them record two wins, two draws, and four losses from their opening eight games.

First reported at La Vanguardia Deportes

Following the October 18 victory, forward Ante Budimir acknowledged the work of former coach Pepe Ramis. "I cannot forget Ramis, the manager, and his staff," Budimir told Movistar LaLiga. The Croatian, the team's top scorer with six goals, also praised new coach Jagoba Arrasate. "It's something that goes together like a button and a shirt, Osasuna and Jagoba," he said. The win moves the team to 10th place with 11 points.

Manager Jagoba Arrasate highlighted his team's character following the victory. "The team's attitude was fantastic," Arrasate stated. The coach returned to the dugout to end a run of five matches without a win. The win over Racing moved the team into 10th place with 11 points.