Data-driven win keeps Osasuna rolling after a strong start
Osasuna secured a comfortable victory over Cadiz, thanks to two penalty goals converted by Chimy Ávila and Kike García. The late goals sealed a second win in as many days, signaling a powerful start to the season for the Navarrese squad.
The home side had the chance to set the tone early, following a season-opening win against Sevilla. They built on that momentum with a second consecutive victory at home, leaving fans buoyed by the seriousness of their performance in the opening leg of the campaign.
From the outset, Moi Gómez demonstrated precision and vision, orchestrating attacking moves with surgical accuracy. Rubén Peña contributed by venturing forward when opportunities arose, and Osasuna pressed high for the opening ten minutes, disrupting Cadiz’s build-ups and testing their resolve with long balls aimed at Choco Lozano.
A daring run by Diarra set the attack into motion, followed by a sharp cross from Lucas Pérez that looked to threaten the goal. Sergio González’s men grew into the match as Fali focused on neutralizing Aimar Oroz’s pace, making the visitors work to contain the hosts’ fluid rhythm and creativity.
Goalkeeper Ledesma reacted with quick reflexes to deny Lozano’s own shot, keeping the scoreline tight. The match paused briefly for hydration, allowing both managers to recalibrate their plans and tighten defensive lines or tweak attacking runs as needed.
Matchday 1 of the season produced a goal in the opening sequences, a reminder of the individual quality on the field. Chimy Ávila stepped forward after a foul on Budimir in the box by the Argentine goalkeeper, who sent Budimir to the turf and earned a decisive penalty call from the referee. Ávila converted confidently to give Osasuna the lead.
There was a moment of tension as the game settled into a slower tempo in the first half, with hopes for a second goal resting on the visitors’ response. Ledesma finished with a stunning save to keep Budimir from doubling the advantage, while Lucas Pérez’s attempt fell wide shortly after.
Peña continued to impress on the flank, linking with a mobile and dangerous attack that included Uruguayan pace and a relentless chase for a second goal. Osasuna brought on Rubén García and Kike García to press for a second strike, while Sergio kept the system intact with substitutions aimed at maintaining balance and momentum.
As the atmosphere inside El Sadar intensified, Aimar Oroz showcased his ability to control tempo and threaten with clever ball work that visibly excited the crowd. Peña again was quick to cut off Lozano’s advances, saving a potential goal as he slid in to block a dangerous shot, an action that drew a roar of approval from the stands. The resilience of the home side was on full display as the supporters rose to applaud a moment of grit and teamwork that defined the contest.
The late phases saw Kike García seal the victory after a clumsy mishap by Chust allowed the Osasuna striker to convert from the penalty spot. The goal extended Osasuna’s advantage to two goals with the clock ticking down, and Cadiz were left to chase the game without a foothold in the match.
Despite Cadiz’s late efforts, their defense cracked under sustained pressure and Osasuna’s collective organization, leaving them with a second defeat in as many fixtures and a reminder that pace, precision, and persistence can pay off in this league. Osasuna’s display underscored a clear message: the team is competitive, well-drilled, and ready to contest the season’s early weeks with confidence.
Data sheet:
2 – Osasuna: Sergio Herrera; Peña, Unai García, David García, Juan Cruz; Moi Gómez, Moncayola, Torró, Aimar; Chimy Ávila, Budimir, Kike García. Substitutes: Nacho Vidal, Darko, Rubén García, Roberto Torres, Arzamendia, José Mari.
0 – Cadiz: Ledesma; Zaldua, Luis Hernández, Chust, Espino; Diarra, Fali, Alarcón, Mabil, Lucas Pérez, Lozano. Substitutes: Negredo, Alejo, Arzamendia, San Emeterio, etc.
Goals: Chimy Ávila 1-0 (m. 37), Kike García 2-0 (m. 79).
Judge: Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Valencian Committee) officiated. Yellow cards for Lucas Torró and Chimy Ávila (Osasuna), Alarcón, Lozano, Chust and Alejo (Cadiz). A late foul earned a caution for Chust. Attendance: 18,587 spectators at El Sadar.