Osasuna travelled to Real Valladolid on Sunday looking for the three points to ease their relegation concerns in Spain's top division.
It was the home side that took the lead after 11 minutes, however, when Ruben turned past his own goalkeeper from close range.
Osasuna were level early in the second period when Kike Sola pounced on a loose ball to head home from close range, before he scored his second of the afternoon on the hour mark.
The away side continued to push in the latter stages and made it three courtesy of a fine finish from Miguel de las Cuevas after 69 minutes.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Morning all! Our La Liga coverage for the day gets underway from Valladolid as the home side welcome Osasuna. Neither side has had a particularly impressive season to date, but both would be happy with another season in Spain’s top division. Valladolid appear to be safe from that threat, but Osasuna still need a few more wins.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, both have won one of the last five, with the other three ending in a draw. As mentioned, the reverse fixture earlier in the season ended in a 1-0 away win, but Osasuna were 2-1 winners on this ground in 2009. If recent matches are anything to go by then we will be in for a tight 90 minutes of football.
It has not been the most enthralling of seasons for Valladolid, but they will be content with another campaign in La Liga. They have won just one of their last five matches, a run of results that has left them in 13th position in the table, but a strong end to the season could see them finish in the top half of the league.
Their home form has not been too impressive this season with five wins from their 14 matches, although they have lost just four times on their own turf. It has been their away form that has allowed them to move clear of trouble with four wins from their 14 matches, just two less than Atletico Madrid and Real Betis.
Osasuna, meanwhile, are not yet clear of relegation trouble. They have lost each of their last three matches, but back-to-back wins previously moved them into 15th position in the table. Should results go against them this weekend they could find themselves just above the bottom three with 10 matches remaining.
Osasuna’s away form has been poor this season with just two wins from their 13 matches, losing eight times in the process. Their home record is also in keeping with their struggles this season, with just five wins from their 15 matches. However, victory this afternoon would go a long way to securing their status in La Liga.
Let’s take a look at some statistics ahead of the match. Valladolid have conceded just 38 goals in their 28 matches thus far, which is just five more than Barcelona. Meanwhile, Osasuna have conceded just 32, among the best in the division. Valladolid’s record of 36 goals scored is also impressive, but no team in the division has scored fewer than Osasuna (23).
TEAMS:
VALLADOLID: Hernandez; Rukavina, Valiente, Balenziaga, Ebert; Rueda, Rubio, Oscar, Sastre; Manucho, Bueno
OSASUNA: Fernandez; Damia, Ruben, Lolo, Bertran; Arribas, Silva, De las Cuevas, Armenteros; Nino, Sola
Patrick Ebert returns for the home side this afternoon, with Portuguese defender Sereno dropping to the bench. Manucho continues in attack alongside Bueno, while Lluis Sastre is also fit despite a hamstring complaint. Osasuna, meanwhile, recall top scorer Kike Sola, but Joseba Llorente remains on the bench.
Here we go then. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. Neither team has been in particularly good form of late, therefore I expect the points to be shared in a score draw. Right, the away side get the action underway.
Not a full house inside the stadium this early afternoon in Valladolid, but there is a good atmosphere with the home support in good voice. You just get the feeling that the first goal could be decisive in this type of match. Osasuna force an early free kick through Silva, but Sola's delivery moves out for a goal kick.
First sign of Ebert - who returns following two months out of action - as the German collects possession on the right before combining with Bueno, but Ruben steps across to clear the danger. Neither side has really settled into the opening stages thus far as the passes continue to go astray. However, plenty of attacking intent early on.
Half-chance for the away side as Sola meets a cross from Silva, but his header is straight into the arms of the Valladolid goalkeeper. A similar situation occurs moments later, but Hernandez comes out to claim the cross. Slightly bitty opening with neither side taking too much care with possession of the ball. Still goalless with six minutes on the clock.
It's good work from Ebert as the Valladolid winger takes control on the right before evading the challenge of two defenders, but his cross is straight into the arms of Fernandez, who immediately releases Silva on the counter. Plenty of attacking intent on display, but unfortunately no real quality thus far. We await the first real chance of the afternoon.
Half-chance for the home side as Ebert stands over a free kick outside the penalty area, but his effort is deflected behind for a corner. The resulting set piece is whipped into the penalty area by the German, but Fernandez comes through a host of bodies to claim. Sola is available on the counter attack, but he is immediately surrounded by purple shirts.
GOAL! Valladolid 1-0 Osasuna (Ruben OG)
Valladolid have the lead with 11 minutes on the clock as Ruben turns into his own net from close range. Complete lack of communication between defender and goalkeeper as the Spaniard stoops low to clear a cross from Rubio, only to see it flash past Fernandez.
You cannot say that it had been coming, but Valladolid had just started to exert their influence on the match. You always worry when Osasuna fall behind in a match because of their problems finding the back of the net. The crowd have responded to that opening goal. Valladolid have their tails up with 14 minutes on the clock.
Decent response from the away side as Sola combines with Nino before firing a cross into the penalty area, but there are no takers. Another low cross causes problems moments later, but De las Cuevas can only turn wide of the post from close range. Not too much for the away supporters to get excited about thus far.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of poor passing in the opposing half. Good work from Sola almost allows Nino a strike on goal, but the linesman raises his flag at the final moment. Osasuna really need to stay in this match in the next 10 minutes or so. Another goal for Valladolid would make their task almost impossible.
The referee has been called into action on a number of occasions in the past few moments with the challenges flying in from both sides. However, neither team has picked up a yellow card thus far. Once more Sola is the danger for Osasuna as he crafts outside the penalty area, but Valiente comes across to quell the danger. Valladolid lead 1-0 with 21 minutes on the clock.
Another half-chance for Osasuna as Sola combines with Nino before the latter strikes an effort from close range, but Hernandez was always comfortable in dealing with the danger. The pressure remains as Silva whips a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but Balenziaga rises highest to clear under pressure from Lolo.
Half-chance for the home side to add their second as Oscar meets a though pass from Sastre, but Fernandez is out to quell the danger. Really smart goalkeeping from the Osasuna stopper. The pressure remains as Rueda collects possession outside the box, but he can only fire his effort wide of the post. The tempo has really picked up in the last couple of moments.
Not the best defending from the home side as Rueda combines with Hernandez, but the goalkeeper can only smash it straight out of play. The throw is taken quickly by Osasuna, but once more the final pass is not of the required quality. It is not difficult to see why Osasuna have struggled to find the back of the net this season.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes with both sides guilty of poor passing in the opposing half. Plenty of suggestions that each team are prepared to commit numbers to each attack, but the quality of the final pass has just not been there. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
Good pressure from the home side in the last couple of moments as they force two corners in quick succession, but the first is palmed over by Fernandez before Valiente heads the second over the crossbar. You just get the feeling that another goal for Valladolid would put this match beyond Osasuna, who have once more struggled in the final third.
Half-chance for the away side as Sola advances into the opposing penalty area before cutting it back towards Nino, but Hernandez is out to claim at the vital moment. Manucho has an opportunity of his own down the other end, but his low strike is palmed clear by Fernandez. End-to-end football in Valladolid.
Another half-chance for the home side as Rueda meets a corner from Ebert, but his volley is well wide of the post. So wide in fact that it almost went out for a throw, not his best effort! Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining, with Valladolid still leading courtesy of that early goal.
Half-chance for the away side this time as Armenteros collects a loose clearance outside the penalty area before striking an effort towards goal, but it was always moving wide of the post. Valladolid have just started to invite some pressure with a series of loose passes in their own half. Good tempo to the match as we enter the final stages of the first period.
Decent pressure from the away side in the final stages of the first period with the likes of Nino and Sola seeing plenty of the ball in the opposing half. Manucho has been the main threat down the other end, but the former Manchester United striker has been on the wrong end of a few offside decisions in the last couple of moments. Osasuna will feel that they are worth a draw at this stage of the match.
Slight problem for Arribas as the Osasuna defender clashes with Ebert, but he is deemed fit to continue following a spell of treatment. Another dangerous cross from Ebert causes problems in the away side's penalty area, but Ruben is on hand to clear the danger. Sustained pressure from Valladolid in the latter stages of the half.
Almost a second own-goal for Osasuna as Sastre delivers a cross into the penalty area, Damia makes the interception, but almost heads past his own goalkeeper. The resulting corner allows Manucho the chance to rise in the box, but his header is wide. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of added time.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the away side in the final moments of the half as Nino latches onto a loose ball inside the box, but he can only fire his effort straight at the goalkeeper. What a miss.
HALF-TIME: Valladolid 1-0 Osasuna
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Valladolid leading 1-0 courtesy of that own-goal from Ruben after 11 minutes. Neither side has been particularly potent in the final third, but Osasuna will feel that they should be level at this stage of the match.
STATISTICS: Osasuna have just about shaded the possession with 52%, but both sides have managed five attempts on goal. It has not been a particularly ill-mannered tie, meanwhile, with just one yellow card in the first period. It is so delicately poised ahead of the second period.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a host of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Javi Guerra, Omar Ramos and Pena. Meanwhile, Osasuna have the likes of Punal, Shojaei and Joseba Llorente in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
Just a quick note on what we have to come this afternoon on Sports Mole. From 3.30pm we have three back-to-back live commentaries from La Liga as Mallorca welcome Deportivo, Espanyol host Real Sociedad and Valencia travel to Atletico Madrid. Be sure to remain with us for the action.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. No changes for either side at the interval which is not too surprising at this stage of events. As it stands, Valladolid would move into 12th, while Osasuna would remain 15th. The home side get the half underway.
Early half-chance for the home side as Ebert collects possession on the right before delivering a low cross towards Bueno, but the striker can only turn wide of the post at the vital moment. Meanwhile, Osasuna are forced into an early change as Arribas I replaced by Punal. The former did appear to be carrying a knock in the first period.
Osasuna create an opportunity of their own as Nino collects possession on the right before finding Oier, but the midfielder had just strayed into an offside position. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could decide the final result. Still a lot of football to be played this afternoon.
GOAL! Valladolid 1-1 Osasuna (Sola)
There is the goal! Crucial strike for the away side as Sola pounces on a loose ball inside the box to score from close range. Valladolid stopper Hernandez had produced a fine save to deny Nino, but the Spaniard was on hand to head home from inside the six-yard box.
Excuse me there was indeed one change at the interval with Oier replacing Damia for the home side. Osasuna have therefore made two changes thus far, while Valladolid are yet to use their bench. Suddenly the away side have their tails up with their support making their voices known.
Good pressure from Osasuna as they force two corners in quick succession, but the first is palmed over by Hernandez before Oier heads the second over the crossbar. What a massive three points it would be for the away side if they could somehow find a second goal. It is just so delicately poised with more than 35 minutes of football to play.
Valladolid just cannot gain any control of the match at the moment as their passes continue to go astray in the final third. They have resulted to firing long balls towards Manucho, but the former Manchester United striker continues to give away free kicks. It just isn't happening for Valladolid, but Osasuna are growing in confidence with each passing moment.
Slightly scrappy period of the match in the last few minutes with Las Cuevas the latest player to be handed a booking. Osasuna continue to force the issue with two corners in quick succession, but both are headed clear by the home side's defence.
GOAL! Valladolid 1-2 Osasuna (Sola)
Oh how Osasuna have missed their top scorer! It's another poacher goal from the striker as Sola meets a header from Silva in the penalty area before flicking into the back of the net. Meanwhile, Valladolid respond with a change as Bueno is replaced by Omar Ramos.
Valladolid just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as the away side continue to force the issue. Osasuna have struggled to score goals this season, but they have been really impressive this afternoon. Another goal for the away side at this stage would make it almost impossible for Valladolid. Little under 30 minutes remaining.
Nervy moment for Hernandez as the Valladolid goalkeeper is forced to deal with a back-pass from Ebert, but he does manage to clear despite the best efforts of Sola. Meanwhile, the away side are preparing to make their third and final change with just about 25 minutes remaining.
The home side force the issue with a sustained period of possession, but Manucho can only fire wide of the target from close range before Ramos heads straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. Ebert is involved down the right moments later, but once more the final ball is short of the required quality. Osasuna lead with 68 minutes on the clock.
Half-chance for the away side this time as Sola fires a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but Las Cuevas is adjudged to have climbed over the back of Valiente in attempting to win the header. Another opportunity arrives moments later as Nino strikes from distance, but his effort was always moving wide of the post.
GOAL! Valladolid 1-3 Osasuna (Las Cuevas)
The away side have their third of the match as Las Cuevas pounces on a loose pass before driving into the penalty area and finishing under Hernandez. That is his first goal for the club and it is no less than they have deserved.
Osasuna certainly do not look like a side that have struggled to score goals this season. In fact, they have looked a threat each time they have attacked, especially in the second period. Once more Sola is the threat as the Spaniard combines with Nino, but this time Rukavina is across to clear at the vital moment.
Another half-chance arrives for the away side as Silva whips a dangerous cross towards Las Cuevas, but his header is straight at the goalkeeper. Meanwhile, the home side make their second change of the match as Ebert is replaced by Valdet Rama for the final 15 minutes or so.
Valladolid make their third and final change of the match as Javi Guerra replaces Manucho, who has had simply no service in the second period. The home side just cannot gather any sort of possession at the moment as they continue to come under pressure. It has been a really impressive display from Osasuna.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Osasuna comfortable in possession of the ball. It is the away support that is making most of the noise as we approach the final 10 minutes of action. Any relegation fears will be eased if Osasuna can hang onto the three points this afternoon.
It's good work from Guerra as the Valladolid striker brings down the ball under pressure from two defenders, but he can only turn and fire his effort well wide of the post. Meanwhile, Osasuna make their third and final change of the match as Las Cuevas is replaced by Cejudo.
Penalty claim for the home side as Guerra hits the deck in the penalty area, but the referee awards a corner rather than pointing to the spot. Osasuna manage to clear the danger and break with Sola, but his pass is just too long for Nino. Little over five minutes of action remaining in Valladolid.
Not too much to report in the last few moments with neither side taking too much care in possession of the ball. It has been a really impressive performance from Osasuna this afternoon, but Valladolid's poor form continues. But for a strong start to the season, they would be in real trouble based on their performance levels at the moment.
Half-chance for the home side as Rubio delivers a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but this time Ruben turns behind his own crossbar. The resulting corner is whipped into the penalty area by Rueda, but Fernandez comes a long way to claim. Bar a miracle, Osasuna are heading for an impressive three points.
The expected onslaught from the home side just has not arrived as Osasuna continue to keep possession in the opposing half. The home supporters have just started to make their way towards the exit with their side heading for another defeat. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of added time.
Half-chance for the home side to grab one goal back as Omar Ramos evades the offside trap before advancing on goal, but his effort is cleared off the line by Ruben, who has recovered well since his own-goal in the early stages. Valladolid launch another attack moments later, but Rubio's cross is too long for Guerra.
FULL-TIME: Valladolid 1-3 Osasuna
So there we have it. Impressive 90 minutes of football from the away side as they pick up a 3-1 win over Real Valladolid. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us from 3.30pm for more La Liga action. Good afternoon!
