Osasuna secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Getafe at El Sadar, extending their unbeaten start to the La Liga season and giving them their best opening to a campaign since 2004/05, with seven points from their first three matches.
The encounter began cautiously, unsurprising given that both sides were among La Liga’s lowest-scoring teams last season. Chances were scarce, with neither team showing much attacking intent in the opening stages.
Ramon Terrats nearly produced a moment of inspiration when he noticed Sergio Herrera off his line, but his ambitious effort from distance drifted narrowly over the crossbar.
The game finally came to life shortly before half-time following a lengthy VAR intervention. Dakonam Djené was adjudged to have pulled Ante Budimir down inside the area from a set-piece, although play continued for around two minutes before VAR called the referee to review the incident.
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The delay sparked protests from both benches, particularly as Getafe had a promising free-kick at the other end during the stoppage. The penalty was eventually awarded, and Budimir kept his composure to send David Soria the wrong way and put Osasuna ahead.
Getafe thought they had restored parity early in the second half, but VAR intervened again. A slick attacking move ended with Andrés García’s effort being converted at the back post by Enes Ünal, only for the goal to be ruled out after replays showed the Turkish forward was marginally offside.
José Bordalás’ side continued to search for an equaliser and came agonisingly close with 20 minutes remaining. Herrera produced a remarkable reflex save to deny Terrats, before Bordalás’ side fired the rebound over the bar.
That proved to be Getafe’s best opportunity to level, as Osasuna successfully held firm during the closing stages. Kike Barja and Raúl García both had late chances to put the result beyond doubt, but their misses mattered little as the hosts secured all three points.
The victory lifts Osasuna temporarily into fourth place, while Getafe suffer their second defeat in three league games. Their schedule will become even more demanding, with a UEFA Conference League campaign now on the horizon.
