Osasuna draws Bruges in Belgium end European dream after 2-2 playoff exit
Osasuna faced a heartbreaking exit from European competition after a 2-2 draw with Bruges left them short of advancing from the Conference League playoff round. Jagoba Arrasate’s side had hoped to reach the group stage for the first time since 2007, but a decisive three-minute spell sealed their fate in Belgium.
In the opening exchanges, Osasuna showed signs of nerves as they navigated their first European campaign in years. The visitors struggled to string passes together, while Chimy Ávila and Budimir pressed high and Moisés Mendieta tried to spark the midfield with ideas from Moncayola and Moi Gómez.
Midway through the first period Bruges struck first. Vetlesen executed a clever reversal pass into the left-hand penalty area, where Vanaken arrived quickly but couldn’t connect cleanly. The emphasis on a sharp finish evaded Bruges as Herrera anticipated and kept the ball out with a composed reaction.
Osasuna found it hard to stabilise the aftermath of that setback. Ronny Deila attempted to build play from the back as Chimy Ávila produced a header that Mignolet punched clear, frustrating the Pamplona club. A short corner from Navarrese led to Mojica’s cross aimed at the far post, where the contest began to mirror a tense stalemate.
The goal did little to soften Bruges’ momentum; Osasuna defensively reorganised with more purpose, but De Cuyper’s determined pressing style kept visitors on their toes. The match swung on a knife edge as Bruges refused to concede again and Osasuna searched for a breakthrough of their own.
⚽️ FOOTBALL | Conference League | playoffs | turn game
➡️ Witches Osasuna (0-2)
Budimir’s brilliant header gives Osasuna a temporary lead
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— EITB Kirolak
— EITB Kirolak
For the visitors, the second half began with renewed confidence. Budimir capitalised on Peña’s midfield presence to finish with a header from close range, restoring a two-goal cushion. Brimming with optimism, Osasuna believed they could control the tie and advance. Yet football’s cruel rhythm returned quickly.
Arrasate shuffled his pack, bringing on Areso, Rubén García and Aimar Oroz to inject life into the attack and reinforce the defence, but the plan was undone just six minutes later.
⚽️ FOOTBALL | Conference League | playoffs | turn game
➡️ Witches Osasuna (2-2)
Bruges strike as Skov Olsen volleys home
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— EITB Kirolak
As the second half wore on, a dangerous cross from a corner near the far post slipped past Herrera and left Thiago of Rio de Janeiro with a powerful header to finish the move. Three minutes later, in the 76th minute, Olsen rose highest to push Bruges ahead after a costly error on the ball by Mojica.
The Belgians pressed on, seeking the knockout punch against an Osasuna side that suddenly looked unsettled. More than a thousand rojillo fans traveled to Belgian soil to witness the drama unfold, hoping to cling to a place in the final rounds. The final whistle confirmed Osasuna failed to reach the Conference League group stage, finishing the tie with a 4-3 aggregate score.
The night’s twists left Osasuna with a painful reality: European dreams can hinge on a handful of moments, and on this occasion, those moments arrived in Belgium just when the outcome seemed within reach.