MADRID, 24 Ago. (EUROPA PRESS) –
CA Osasuna lost (1-2) against Bruges this Thursday in the first leg of the ‘playoff’ to enter the next Conference League, a first assault by the Belgians who will have to overcome the ‘rojillos’ at home next week if they want stay in Europe.
Jagoba Arrasate’s team had a good first half but the opponent did not tremble, demonstrating their experience in European competitions. After the break, visiting striker Andreas Skov Olsen made it 1-0, but Osasuna still had its moment of euphoria.
Chimy Ávila made it 1-1 in the 78th minute, but that joy was short-lived because just a couple of minutes later, Maxim De Cuyper put Bruges ahead again in the final 1-2. Next Thursday, Osasuna will have to get something more than claw and enthusiasm to come back and win the ticket to Europe.
How could it be otherwise, 16 years later, the atmosphere at El Sadar was tremendous, but the pace on the pitch was more like the start of the season. The local team started with possession and looking for Chimy, who had the first good chance after 20 minutes.
Mignolet, a classic under the sticks, was also a bolt against Rubén García, who had several chances, and the VAR did not smile at the locals either, asking for a penalty. For their part, with little, Bruges had a very clear shot from Zinckernagel, a sign that he was not going to need much to see the door.
That was the case after the restart, when Olsen kicked the ball to make it 0-1 in the 50th minute. A header from Lucas Torró woke up Osasuna, who were slow to react after the goal and Arrasate also moved the bench, bringing on Arnaiz and Budimir. After the scare of a penalty against that annulled the VAR, and with the changes in the rival, Osasuna finished taking the step of the goal in the tie.
Chimy Ávila left a trademark header to make it 1-1, but El Sadar saw even the celebration cut short with De Cuyper’s 1-2. The ‘rojillo’ team did not stop looking for the goal and was able to achieve it with Budimir or Pablo Ibáñez, Kike Barja and Moncayola in a long discount. It will be in witches where you should find it.