Osasuna’s 90th‑Minute Header Stuns Getafe to End Nine‑Game Drought
When Alejandro Catena rose above the packed stands of Estadio El Sadar and headed home a corner in the 90th minute, the roar that followed was more than celebration – it was a sigh of relief for a side that had barely scraped a point from their previous nine outings.
The drama unfolded on Friday, 3 October 2025, during a La Liga Pamplona clash between Osasuna and Getafe CF. From the first whistle, the match felt like a see‑saw – Getafe sprinted ahead, Osasuna clawed back, and then the final act delivered a hero’s finish.
It was Borja Mayoral who gave the visitors the early edge. In the 23rd minute he slipped a low, curling effort into the bottom corner, beating Sergio Herrera’s outstretched hand. The goal showcased Mayoral’s knack for finding space in tight defenses, and the crowd sensed a potential upset.
From Deficit to Parity – The Turning Point
Able to respond before the break, Abel Bretones struck in the dying seconds of first‑half injury time. His curling shot from the edge of the box looped over the Getafe keeper and nestled in the net, leaving the home fans buzzing. The equaliser was more than a number on the scoreboard; it shifted momentum, with Osasuna’s defensive line – anchored by Juan Cruz, Catena, Flavien‑Enzo Boyomo, and Bretones – tightening up.
How the Final Minute Unfolded
Both sides pressed forward in the second half, but each chance was met with a stout defence. The clock ticked past 88 minutes when Osasuna earned a corner. The ball was whipped in, and Catena timed his run to perfection. With a flick of his head, the ball ricocheted past the Getafe back‑line and into the net – a textbook set‑piece finish that sealed the 2‑1 victory.
After the final whistle, Catena told DAZN, “We were coming off a very bad game. We competed and got the reward that we hadn’t got on other occasions.” His words captured the collective sigh of a fanbase that had endured a barren stretch of only one point from nine matches.
Match‑Day Line‑Ups and Tactical Notes
- Osasuna: Goalkeeper Sergio Herrera; defenders Juan Cruz, Alejandro Catena, Flavien‑Enzo Boyomo, Abel Bretones; midfield trio Moi Gómez, Lucas Torró, Jon Moncayola; attackers Valentin Rosier, Víctor Muñoz, Ante Budimir.
- Getafe CF: Goalkeeper Rubén Yáñez; back line including José Luis Morales, Enzo Gavidia; midfield anchored by Jaime Mata; forwards Borja Mayoral, Enes Ünal.
Osasuna’s manager, Jagoba Arrasate, opted for a high‑press in the second half, forcing Getafe into errors and creating the space that led to Bretones’ equaliser. Getafe, under José Bordalás, stuck to a pragmatic 4‑4‑2, but the late goal exposed a vulnerability on set pieces.
Implications for the La Liga Table
The three points nudged Osasuna up to 11th place with 10 points from seven games (3‑1‑4). Getafe, despite the loss, held onto eighth place with 11 points (3‑2‑3), remaining a single point ahead of their rivals. The swing in points is modest, yet the psychological boost for Osasuna cannot be overstated; a win after a run of draws and defeats often acts as a catalyst for a mid‑season resurgence.
What This Means for Both Clubs
For Osasuna, the victory is a statement that the squad can compete against top‑half teams. It also gives Arrasate a platform to iterate on his pressing system without the fear of losing morale. Meanwhile, Getafe’s slip highlights the fine margins in a league where a single point separates playoff hopes from mid‑table obscurity. Bordalás will likely reassess defensive set‑piece routines – a recurring theme in their season so far.
Looking Ahead – Next Fixtures
Osasuna’s next challenge is a trip to Sevilla against Sevilla FC on 14 October 2025. A win there could propel them into the coveted top‑ten. Getafe, meanwhile, host Athletic Bilbao on 13 October 2025, a match that could reclaim momentum if they tighten up defensively.
Key Takeaways
- Catena’s 90th‑minute comeback header ends Osasuna’s nine‑game point drought.
- Mayoral’s early strike highlighted Getafe’s attacking threat.
- Bretones’ half‑time equaliser shifted the psychological balance.
- Osasuna climbs to 11th, narrowing the gap to Europe‑qualifying spots.
- Getafe remains in eighth but must address set‑piece defending.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect Osasuna’s chances of qualifying for European competition?
The victory lifts Osasuna to 11th with 10 points, cutting the gap to the top‑six to just four points. While they are still five matches from a European spot, the morale boost and three points make a tangible difference in a tightly contested La Liga race.
What tactical changes did Jagoba Arrasate implement after falling behind?
Arrasate shifted to a higher press and encouraged quicker transitions through the midfield. This forced Getafe into errors and created the space for Bretones’ equaliser, while also freeing Catena to make the late header run.
Why did Getafe lose ground despite scoring first?
After Mayoral’s opening goal, Getafe struggled to maintain defensive solidity. Their inability to clear the corner that led to Catena’s header exposed a recurring weakness in set‑piece defending, which José Bordalás will need to address.
Who were the standout performers for Osasuna besides Catena?
Abel Bretones earned plaudits for his half‑time equaliser, while midfield dynamo Moi Gómez dictated tempo and helped transition the ball quickly. Goalkeeper Sergio Herrera also made several crucial saves, keeping Osasuna in the game after Mayoral’s strike.
What is the next big match for Getafe and what does it mean for their season?
Getafe host Athletic Bilbao on 13 October 2025. A win would restore confidence after the disappointment at El Sadar and keep them within striking distance of a Europa League berth, while a loss could see them slip down the table as the race tightens.
- Oct 4, 2025
- SIYABONGA SOKHELA
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Joe Delaney
October 4, 2025 AT 19:28That header was a perfect way to break the slump.
Ruben Vilas Boas
October 5, 2025 AT 17:42Great comeback by Osasuna, the press‑break at the end gave the fans something to cheer about. The team showed real grit.
George Thomas
October 6, 2025 AT 15:55The decisive moment illustrated the efficacy of Arrasate’s tactical adjustments, particularly the heightened press in the midfield. It compelled Getafe into premature clearances, thereby generating opportunities for the home side. Moreover, the defensive resilience displayed after the opening goal underscored a disciplined collective effort.
Michelle Linscomb
October 7, 2025 AT 14:08Finally some glory, this win proves they can fight back. Let’s keep the momentum going.
John McDonald
October 8, 2025 AT 12:22Catena’s aerial duel was textbook set‑piece execution, capitalising on the high‑press transition that opened the space for that closing header. The defensive shape after Mayoral’s goal showed a lapse that the coaching staff can address with a tighter zonal marking scheme.
Jordyn Wade
October 9, 2025 AT 13:22The match at El Sadar unfolded as a classic narrative of perseverance meeting opportunity.
Early on Borja Mayoral found the net, putting Getafe ahead and testing Osasuna’s resolve.
The home side responded with tactical adjustments from Jagoba Arrasate that emphasized a higher press in the midfield.
This shift forced Getafe into hurried clearances, creating pockets of space for the likes of Abel Bretones.
Bretones seized the moment just before halftime, his curling strike equalising the score and altering the psychological balance.
Defensively Osasuna tightened their back four, with Catena and Juan Cruz forming a resilient barrier.
The second half saw both teams exchange blows, yet neither could find a breakthrough until the dead‑ball situation.
When the corner was delivered in the 90th minute, Catena timed his run perfectly.
His header glided past the Getafe back line, nestling into the net and sealing a 2‑1 victory.
The crowd’s roar echoed the relief of a side that had struggled for points over nine matches.
Sergio Herrera’s saves earlier in the game kept Osasuna within reach, highlighting his importance.
The win propels Osasuna into 11th place, narrowing the gap to the European qualification spots.
For Getafe the result is a reminder of their vulnerability on set pieces, a factor that will need addressing.
Overall the tactical battle showcased Arrasate’s willingness to adapt and the squad’s capacity to execute under pressure.
Looking ahead the team will travel to Sevilla, a test that could further solidify their resurgence.
Zoe Birnbaum
October 10, 2025 AT 11:35That long breakdown really captures the spirit of the win! I love how you highlighted the tactical shifts.
Venkatesh nayak
October 11, 2025 AT 09:48While your analysis correctly identifies the set‑piece nuance, it overlooks the broader strategic deficiencies evident throughout the first half; a more rigorous assessment would consider the spatial compression that preceded the equaliser. :)
rao saddam
October 12, 2025 AT 08:02Whoa-what a moment! That header not only broke the drought but also sparked a surge of confidence across the squad; keep that energy rolling!
jitendra vishwakarma
October 13, 2025 AT 06:15i think the article is good but could of said more about the press break they did.
Ira Indeikina
October 14, 2025 AT 04:28Life on the pitch mirrors the dance of fate; every header is a fleeting question answered by the net, and today the answer was sweet for Osasuna.