Relegation Battle…… again!!
By: Shane |
4 Comments
Ladies and gentlemen, or to the one guy/girl that reads this blog, I am back after a week away. There are many reasons for my lack of posting, I have believe it or not been busy which is blogging my biggest enemy, sorting out and entertaining mi vida. But the main reason for my absence was that my parents have always taught me that if you have nothing nice to say then don’t say anything at all and lately finding nice things to say about Osasuna has been as difficult as Zapatero getting a laugh from his cabinet after he states that “that there will be no more menstrual jokes about his new cabinet-period”.
Last time I wrote, we were playing Deportivo at home, and I among many others was pretty confident that this game would be the decisive one and finally put to rest or relegation troubles. Confidence was so high that the supporters spoke little of the game and instead worried about how we toreceive Real Madrid if they arrive to Pamplona next week as champions. It was a simple debate really, wheher the fans should throw lighters or more bizarrely an oilcan like they did two years ago. We really,really, dont like them. Anyhow we were playing at home, spirits were high from the previous week victory against Espanyol, against a team who had little to play for, the scene was set for celebration really. But nope, that’s not how Osasuna like to do business this year. For the third consecutive match at home Osasuna had everything going for them, including the best opportunities and more possession but once again the opposite team came, saw, conquered and left Pamplona with 3 points and a guilty face knowing well they did not deserve all three points. And now Osasuna remain in limbo and its not looking well for the Navarros. It was Groundhog Day for Osasuna as the games were identical to the last three home defeats including the dubious referee decisions. Which has lead to wild comments from some of our players and staff, Ziganda for example has stated that he does not even want to begin thinking that there is a black hand behind the scenes while our club captain Cruchaga said with a straight face is that if it wasn’t for the referee mistakes Osasuna would be well saved and fighting for a Uefa spot, yea right and if my aunt was a man she’d be my uncle.
The truth of the matter is that the referees have not done Osasuna any favours, and there could well be a small conspiracy towards us as there are a lot of clubs who would like to see this club go down. That said, it does not fully explain why in the last three games at home we have failed to capitalise on the possession and chances against mediocre sides and why Zigandas team selection and tactics have been rubbish.
The weekend was further dampened by Zaragozas victory over Recreativo. If Recreativo had of won that game, they would of send Zaragoza straight to the second division to the delight of the Pamplonicas, Valencianos, Pucelanos and there opponents but Zaragoza playing for there life outplayed Recreativo and beat them 3-0 at home and have thus prolonged the relegation scrap.
The table now looks like this
14 Osasuna 33 11 7 15 33 35 40
15 Valencia 33 11 6 16 36 54 39
16 Valladolid 33 10 9 14 39 53 39
17 Zaragoza 33 9 10 14 44 54 37
18 Recreativo 33 9 10 14 35 54 37
19 Murcia 33 7 8 18 29 53 29
20 Levante 33 7 4 22 29 61 25
This weekend Osasuna travel to Valencia in a crucial game. Valencia fresh from there Copa del rey victory but even fresher from there sacking of Koeman and their thrashing by Bilbao last week (5-1), need a victory more than anything but hopefully their off the field distractions and the fact that they have only won 4 times this year in the league making them by far the worst form team in la liga will hopefully work in our favour. A draw would not be the worst result, considering.
Recreativo play relegated Levante who are threatening strike as the players are not getting paid, we want to play, but we need a solution to call off the strike”, said Luis Rubiales, the club Capitan.
Zaragoza play “we have not scored a goal in 5 games” Espanyol while Valladolid entertain Almeria.
This season could not finish quickly enough!
AUPA OSASUNA!!!
Category: Team News
More or less saved
By: Shane | 1 Comment
Espanyol were fighting for europe, Osasuna to remain in the top flight. Comes to show that in this years Liga there is no difference in whether you play at home or away, fighting for europe or relegation or you are 7th or 16th on the table, anyone can beat anyone.
And I stick to my previous argument when I said that the reason was not the competitiveness of the league but on the contrary the poorness of it. And if an average Real Madrid side win it, it is only because Barcelona could not be bother playing catch up. The same can be said about who goes to Europe or who gets relegated, Its thanks to the ineptitude and inconsistency of the rest of the teams that are placing this teams in a European spot or saved from relegation.
Nevertheless Osasuna came to Barcelona with the knowledge that they were in deep trouble and they needed to show some ‘cojones’ after last weeks defeat. And that they did, they wanted it more than there opponents, they played the better football and they return to Pamplona with 3 golden points. A simple goal by ‘el pulpo’ Astudillo (the squid, now there’s a nickname) was enough to win the game thanks to bad goalkeeping by Kameni. It could of been two or three if it wasn’t for the post, as the Chezch Placil and Juanfran both hit the woodwork. Espanyol did not come up with much and was easy to see how this team has not won or scored in four consecutive matches.
With this victory Osasuna are now with 40 points and one foot in safety land, the other foot is hanging over a cliff where the likes of horn wearing Zaragoza are jumping and with there devilish paws trying to pull us down with them.
Zaragoza re joined in the hole with Murcia and Levante. Levante are pretty much gone but they continue to give themselves the tiniest bit of hope, this time by beating Betis away from home, but Its far too little far too late. Murcia are in the same boat and not even Clements mouth will save them from the drop zone.
Zaragoza have a final to play on saturday at home against Recreativo which will determine the fate of one of this two teams. Is adios to Zaragoza if they loose. No pressure then maños.
Valencia in 15th place are also under pressure and have a tough game away against Athletic. Its a most win game for the Ches.
Osasuna with six point advantage over relegation zone have also a greater goal difference and are playing a nothing to play for Deportivo at home this weekend, so its in our hands.
AUPA OSASUNA!!! SAVED BY NEXT MONDAY the same cant be said about Zaragoza or Valencia!!!
Category: Team NewsEspanyol preview/ News
By: Shane | 6 Comments
So Espanyol this weekend. Two teams not in the best of foR. One has not won or scored for the last 3 games, the other has only won away from home 3 times. It has all the potential to be a great bore but nevertheless the stakes are high and its a very important game for both teams. Espanyol need to get back on winning ways if they want to claim that last European spot, Rufete stated that the team need to start believe in themselves again. Osasuna on the other hand need to bounce back from last week home defeat at the hands of Recreativo and hopefully return to Pamplona with some points, ideally 3 but ill be quite happy with just the one considering how tight it is at the moment.
Los pericos were victorious 1-2 the first time around so a bit of revenge is in order.
Valdo (Espanyol,pretty useless) and ‘El Rifle’ Pandiani (Osasuna completely useless) are set to face there former employees. Although Pandiani probably wont, hopefully Cuco will give him a run around in the name of nostalgia
In other news.
NUKO IS BACK!!! After 8 months in the sideline, Osasuna best player has been given the all clear and is set to return in the coming weeks if not days. Iranian 2007 footballing of the year (as unglamorous as that sounds) will give Osasuna at much needed boost and confidence for the remaining of this season.
Carlos VEla has hinted he is happy to stay another year with Osasuna (well of course he is, we are simply the best). The on loan Arsenal star has been quality for us this year and hopefully remains with us for another one. Stay Carlitos we love you!!!. Patxi Izco Osasunas president was in London last weekend negotiating Vela possible extension and further negotiations of a possible collaboration with the English club.
And finally commiserations to Getafe for there great effort against Bayern munich. They did themselves proud. And for those who saw the match they will understand when I write Luca Tony you dick. But hopefully Getafe can bounce back and beat Zaragoza this weekend and push them further down. A SEGUNDA OE A SEGUNDA OE.
AUPA OSASUNA
Category: Team NewsMidweek fun. The “Famous” la liga fans
By: Shane | 7 Comments
To cheer myself up from last weekend horrible result I have created a list of famous figures that support a team in La Liga. And with this hopefully start a midweek post of randomness.
In no particular order
Barcelona
Josep carrera (tenor)
alex corretja
arantxa sanchez vicario (tennis players)
Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero (prime minister of spain)
Since Zapatero is from Valladolid, his choice is not, as it has been with previous prime ministers, a matter of constitutional preference. He chose Barca because he liked what he saw.
Jordi Puyol (politician)
Drew carey(actor)
kobe Bryant (US basketball star)
He has said that if he had stayed in Italy, he would have tried to become a professional soccer player, and that his favorite team is FC Barcelona. Bryant is a big fan of FC Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard and their star player Ronaldinho.
Real Madrid
Aznar and Rajoy (Politicians) ewwwww.
Antonio Banderas (Actor)
Placido Domingo (Tenor)
Julio Iglesias (Singer)
for a short period goalkeeper for the Real Madrid soccer team. In 1963, his career as a football athlete was cut short after a car accident.
Rafael Nadal (Tennis Star)
Nicholas Cage……..?? apparently. Calderon you Twat.
Atletico Madrid
Joaquin Sabina (Singer)
Manuel Calvo (Boxer)
Fernando Torres 
Mallorca
Carlos Moya (tennis star)
Espanol
Guillem Balague – (Sky Sports Spanish football pundit)
Deportivo La coruna
MANU CHAO ( SO JEALOUS + he also supports athletic Bilbao)
Sevilla
Isabel Pantoja (singer and dog)
Eva gonzales (model, Casillas wife and babe)
Osasuna
Miguel Indurain (cyclist best known for having won the Tour de France from 1991 to 1995 and pretty much a legend)
Category: Team NewsDear, Oh Dear. Relegation guide.
By: Shane | 5 Comments
Dear oh dear, Osasuna’s route to salvation will be as hard as the Olympic torch reaching china, they are both destined to suffer till the end.
Once again the three points have escaped Pamplona. Once again, the opponents did nothing to deserve the 3 points, one shot one goal. Once again it was a Liverpool reject, cinema pongolle, who nailed the coffin. Once again the referee as well as his marry men linesmen should have gone to specsavers. And more importantly once again we were simply not good enough and thus are now involved in a relegation battle set to continue until the last day of the season.
And it all could have been so much different. The scene was set for Osasuna’s victory. The tickets were reduced to €10 to successfully fill up the stadium. The match was on a saturday night. The opponents were in the relegation zone and with a home victory Osasuna could distance themselves from recreativo by 7 points. But Osasuna forgot one major detail to start of the celebrations, that’s right, Osasuna forgot to win. Thats the last time Ziganda organises my party, I tell you.
Category: Team NewsOsasuna vs Recreativo “9 pointer”
By: Shane | 2 Comments
So a short blog , well shorter than usual, to tell you that Osasuna vs Recreativo is on sky sports 3 7PM. This is probably one of the most important games of the season if not the most. Tickets for this game were sold at €10 so the stadium would be filled to create an incredible atmosphere that only pamplonicas are able to do. The game is also for a change on a Saturday night so a great way to start Saturday night festivities after an Osasuna victory, fingers crossed.
Win and we are more or less saved and can play the fOllowing 7 games at our ease, lose and we are in trouble, Mugabe style!
Recreativo come to this game 18th in the table with 33 points and need this more than anything but can they handle the atmosphere in el Sadar? I hope not.
AUPA OSASUNA! A POR ELLOS OE!!!
Category: Team NewsValuable Points and Villareal campeon
By: Shane | 5 Comments
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Cuco Ziganda our manager and ex footballing legend claimed to be very happy after Osasunas away 0-2 victory over Getafe and so am I. With more practical than beautiful football and with a defence tighter than a catalan osasuna broke a bad omen that did not see the Navarran side win away from Pamplona for four months. This of course was helped by a pinch of luck, a helping hand by the referee (for a change) who dismissed getafe’s contra in the first half, and a getafe who’s mind was obviously on their uefa quarter final against Bayern Munich.
With first half goal and first ever for Osasuna by Flano and a second half penalty converted by Punal, Osasuna completed a solid professional performance that leaves them 3 points away from that so important 40 point mark.
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Getafe on the other hand are yet to secure salvation and are faced with a quarter final tie with Bayern Munich on Thursday as well as the Copa del Rey final. This blog wishes them the best of luck.
Next up is another crucial game against fellow strugglers Recreativo in Pamplona. Never mind 6 pointers this baby is a 9 pointer. Recreativo are 18th, in the table with 33 points. Defeat and we are right back in the dog scrap, victory and we reach the 40 point mark with 7 games to spare and we can start preparing for San Fermin. But as they say in Basque Poliki Poiliki and lets just enjoy these 3 precious points for the time being.
In other news and just like in election time seeing as Osasuna wont win the title, I’d like to publicly endorse and support one of the title contenders. Normally I’ d cheer for Barcelona but this year fed up of their inconsistency I’ve decided to support Villarreal, the outsiders, the Ralph Naders of this season, the underdogs.
Villarreal as opposed to tweedledum and tweedledee deserve this years title more than anyone, and here a few reasons why.
1)they are a small team, there budget must be a fraction of Real Madrid or Barcelona.
2)they are always exciting to watch, even for the colour of their jerseys alone
3)they have a Chilean coach and one of the most promising Chilean players in their ranks Pelligrini and Matias Fernandez.
4) Madrid and Barcelona have been crap and deserve to loose the title.
5) ANYONE BUT REAL MADRID….PLEASE!!!!
So there we go, the VILLAREAL for the title and Osasuna to be saved next week!! AUPA OSASUNA Y AUPA EL SUBMARINO AMARILLO.
Category: Team NewsOsasuna in deep trouble!!
By: Shane | Add Comments
Yours truly is disappointed, even more so than that time he went to see ‘No country for old men’ expecting the greatest film of all time according to the critics and found it hard to keep awake. Am I the only person in the world that hated that film?
Anyhow, everything was set up for an Osasuna victory.
1) we were doing ever so well at home, four consecutive victories in El Sadar . (2-1 against Almeria, 3-1 against Atletico, 1-0 against Zaragoza and 2-1 against Athletic).
2) Our rival Betis were supposed to be distracted. They claimed to be the victims of a massive anti-Betis conspiracy aimed at relegating the verdiblancos. I suspect the throwing of missiles by the crowd and having a complete gangster as a major shareholder and ex-president (Ruiz De Lopera) have something to do with it.
3) And finally because Osasuna have been stuffing Betis over the last 3 games, last one being a 0-3 victory by the rojillos in the Manuel Ruiz de Lopera stadium.
But of course disappointingly Betis did not read the script. They came, they had 2 shots on target and took all 3 points from el Reyno de Navarra. Although the victory was totally undeserved and Osasuna should have at least got something out of the game, two penalties for example, Osasuna find themselves in deep caca (and not the Brazilian type).
Not only did we loose to Betis thanks to a goal by Liverpool reject and Chilean Mark Gonzales. Me being part Chilean makes it more bitter.
But Romero, Javi Garcia and Ludovic Delporte join the already densely populated injured list. The latest further emphasising the school of thought that he must be made of at least 75% glass this being the sixth serious injury of his career.
We are now facing the prospect of travelling to Getafe with a weak squad. As if facing the Azulones was not difficult enough. Although they lost this weekend against Athletic, Getafe are enjoying 9th position in the table, have a quarter final clash to look forward to against Bayer Munich in the Uefa cup. As if this was not enough, Laudrup’s men have reached the Copa del Rey final for the second year in a row and face Valencia on april 16th to be held in the Bernabeu. Not fair is it?
Category: Team NewsLa liga bad patch. Osasuna v Betis
By: Shane | 8 Comments
Spain is going through a rough patch. And I am not just saying this because of who they selected to represent them in the Eurovision contest
I am referring of course to La Liga. This year La Liga, which was last year described as the best league in the world, has been poor in and off the field. It was labelled a horrible season by the newly appointed Murcia coach Javier Clemente, and one would struggle to argue.
On the field Spanish teams have been pretty useless in Europe bar Barcelona, the only Spanish team represented in the quarter finals of the champion’s league compared to four English teams. And its not as if Barcelona would carry the flag for Spain, as you would struggle to find one in the new camp.
There domestic reason is also an absolute stinker. Real Madrid are leading the way with 7 points, but only because they are the best of a really bad bunch who cannot take advantage of Madrid’s slips (they have suffered 8 defeats in 2008 alone).But its not just the top two that have disappointed, Valencia are a mess internally and 26 points behind the leaders, while Zaragoza who were at the start of the year tipped for greatness are only avoiding relegation thanks to goal difference. Once good, Deportivo are probably now the most boring team in La Liga, and the likes of Villarreal and Atletico Madrid are terribly inconsistent.
This holy week where people in the south dress suspiciously like members of the kkk 
, Other souther visitors slightly less scary but not by much are visiting Pamplona, Betis.
And this is where this eason begins to get ugly off the field. Betis are arriving in el Reyno after being handed a two match ban which sees the Sevillian club playng the next two home games in behind closed doors. The incident occurred during the Betis v Athletic Bilbao game 20 Mintues febore the final whistle with Athletic winning 1-2. Some idiot in the crowd decided it was a good idea to throw a bottle onto the pitch hitting the visiting goalkeeper in the face knocking him unconscious. The 3 points were awarded to the Basques and Betis might feel a bit hard done by as there was still a good 20 minutes to play and the visitors were down to 10 men. 
This is a most wing game for both clubs, and Osasuna must take full advantage of a distracted Betis.
Hopefully this season is just a blip for the wonderful Liga, and hopefully Osasuna reach salvation fast so we can start building for next years. As Osasuna are the largest suppliers to the Spanish under 21 squad called up for a friendly (Monreal, kike Sola, and Javi Garcia) which promises a good young talented squad for next year as long as the big clubs keep there grubby hands of them.
Category: Team NewsOsasuna like a settling pint of Guinness
By: Shane | 3 Comments
Finding time to update this blog, during St.Patrick’s weekend has been hard, me being 1/3 Irish and all. But as I wait for my new pint of Guinness to settle I see no better time that to tell you about the Rojillos.
And settling is exactly what Osasuna are beginning to do in la Liga. Osasuna faced Valladolid this past Sunday in what was a cliché “six pointer” as both teams are doing there best not to flirt with relegation near the bottom of the table. Osasuna claiming this game as one of there remaining four finals that will decide weather Osasuna stays up to fight another day (the other three are, bottle throwing Betis, Getafe and Recreativo).
Category: Team News
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