Osasuna Turn 1-0 Deficit Into 2-1 Win Over Celta Vigo

Osasuna came from behind to beat Celta Vigo 2-1 at Estadio Abanca Balaídos, overturning a half-time deficit and securing the win in La Liga’s opening regular-season round on Thursday. Celta led through Iago Aspas, but Kike Barja and Ante Budimir struck after the interval to complete the turnaround.

Aspas gives Celta the lead

Celta made the breakthrough in the 14th minute. Miguel Román supplied the assist for Aspas, who finished a normal goal to put the hosts 1-0 ahead. Aspas remained Celta’s most influential attacking player, earning a match rating of 7.6 after scoring once and registering one shot on target in 52 minutes.

Osasuna were unable to respond before the break, leaving Celta in front at half-time. However, the visitors had already shown greater attacking volume across the match, finishing with 12 total shots to Celta’s two. Osasuna also recorded four shots on target, seven efforts from inside the box and an expected-goals figure of 2.17, compared with Celta’s 0.09.

Red card changes the momentum

The key disciplinary incident came in the 51st minute when Celta’s M. Alonso was sent off. Osasuna took advantage almost immediately. One minute later, Aspas was replaced by C. Starfelt, and in the 54th minute Barja equalised with an assist from R. Garcia.

Barja’s goal shifted the contest decisively toward Osasuna. He finished with a 7.2 rating, one goal, one shot on target and two key passes. Osasuna then completed the comeback in the 63rd minute, when Budimir converted a penalty. Introduced in the 58th minute, Budimir received a 7.3 rating and added one shot on target and two tackles during his 31 minutes.

Osasuna control the second half

The scoreline reflected Osasuna’s stronger attacking output, even though possession was exactly level at 50 percent apiece. Celta completed more passes, 509 to 491, but Osasuna’s passing accuracy was slightly higher at 88 percent compared with 86 percent. The visitors also led 5-3 on corners and committed more fouls, 13 to five, while both teams finished with one yellow card aside from Celta’s red.

Alejandro Catena was Osasuna’s other standout performer, earning a 7.5 rating after 89 minutes. The result leaves the supplied standings listing Osasuna 11th and Celta 12th, with each shown on one point from one game and carrying a record of one draw. Both teams had entered the match after a draw in their most recent form, but Osasuna ended the night with the result on the pitch.