Osasuna earned a 3-2 victory over Betis in a tightly fought clash that left both sides buoyant for upcoming challenges. The Navarre-based club seized early momentum, signaling intent two weeks ahead of a major cup final and setting the tempo for a high-octane contest.
Ante Budimir opened the scoring in the sixth minute after a determined run and a precise pass from Kike Barja. The Croatian forward timed his finish perfectly, and the home side soon doubled the advantage with another sharp move. Barja delivered a precise ball that found Budimir, who tucked it away to extend the lead and ignite the stadium with energy.
Before the 30-minute mark, the game stayed lively as Barja again played a pivotal role, unlocking Betis with a line-breaking pass that left Budimir with space to threaten. The second goal underlined Osasuna’s intent and reinforced the growing confidence among the home players as they started strong two weeks from a key fixture.
The Andalusian visitors pushed to close the gap and keep pace, despite the early pressure. A sustained Betis push yielded a moment of intensity when Miranda combined aggression with skill in a scramble inside the Osasuna box, restoring a more balanced balance of play.
As the match wore on, errors appeared on both sides. Osasuna showed resilience, shifting shape and steadiness as Betis pressed. For moments, a single decision or touch could have swung the balance, yet the Navarrese defense held firm, stretching their lead at critical points.
With more than half an hour on the clock, Betis fashioned a late chance when a misplayed clearance allowed Abde to surge forward and test the Osasuna goalkeeper. The shot fell short, ensuring a deserved two-goal cushion for the home team at halftime.
The second half opened with a measured tempo as both teams adjusted pressing and countering strategies. Osasuna dictated the pace through patient build-up and quick transitions, frustrating Betis’ attempts to link through the middle. The visitors found renewed life with sustained pressure that culminated in a 70th-minute strike, narrowing the gap and elevating the tension in the stadium.
Substitutions disrupted the flow in the later stages. Iker Benito entered and immediately influenced play, laying on two assists that gave Barja fresh angles and options as Betis pushed higher in pursuit of a leveling goal. The young winger showed intelligence and creativity, threading dangerous passes that kept Osasuna’s advantage intact.
Sevilla’s side responded with purpose after cutting the margin, tightening their defensive shape and seeking to counter. Sergio Canales contributed smart movement and quick decisions that helped widen Betis’ attacking avenues, renewing the visitors’ focus.
A spectacular volley from Montoya brought Betis within one, reigniting their late push. Osasuna stayed compact and disciplined, guarding the lead while hunting for a decisive moment to seal the result.
Coach Arrasate reinforced the defense in the closing minutes, introducing Iker Muñoz to add stability and height at the back. The change helped Osasuna maintain composure and convert late possession into victory for a squad that showed strong collective character under pressure.
In the end, the home crowd celebrated a second straight win, lifting Osasuna to 41 points. The performance offered a glimpse of what the team can achieve when collective effort and individual moments align, hinting at a promising period as they solidify their league position and prepare for demanding fixtures that will shape their season trajectory. (Source: match summary)