The ‘rojillo’ team lost 1-2 against Bruges in the qualifying playoff for the group stage of the Conference League
Chimy Ávila tied the game but moments later those from Pamplona conceded the second goal for the Belgians
Soccer, sometimes, is cruel. From Thursday May 3, 2007 to August 24, 2023 A little over 16 years had passed. What Osasuna took to enjoy a European competition match again. So far, the story has its beautiful part but on the pitch, things changed. Bruges, who played in the Champions League last year, managed to beat Arrasate’s men who, when they tied the game and were going for a comeback, received a second blow that leaves them touched, but not sunk. There remains a second chance in Belgium (1-2).
El Sadar dressed up and the team put the same intensity on the pitch. The ‘rojillos’ claimed a penalty after half an hour of play due to some possible hands inside the area. The VAR reviewed it and confirmed the referee’s decision not to whistle anything. He plays in the hand, but in a natural position.
Rubén García was one of the most active in the offensive zone with two shots that went wide. Deflected like Zinckernagel’s shot just before the break that stopped time in Pamplona He had been left alone but his header wasn’t up to the task.
The setback came after passing through the changing rooms. The Witches did manage to refine the aim that Rubén García could not have in the play before the attempt by the Belgian team. Olsen released a whiplash that Aitor could not reach. The 0-1 fell like a jug of cold water in the Sadar, which, in addition, saw how the VAR saved a penalty against for previous offside.
But Chimy Ávila, who had been the negative protagonist after his expulsion against Athletic Club, where he lost the papers, was willing to claim forgiveness from his own. Arrasate said in the preview that they needed him, and there he was. The Spanish-Argentine, with a header, unleashed the euphoria with the 1-1.
But the football script is sometimes cruel. Too much. Two minutes after Chimy’s goal, the second for the Belgian team arrived. He didn’t even finish celebrating From Cuyper to the Osasuna fans who went from maximum excitement to absolute depression. The ‘rojillos’ footballers, however, stood up until the end and were even able to achieve a draw that never came. The turn remains