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.