Osasuna began the season with a 2-0 victory away at Cadiz, with a goal scored in each half by Adrian Lopez and Ruben Garcia.
Cadiz’s pre-season had been greatly disrupted by positive Covid-19 test results among players and staff, and they were without their manager Alvaro Cervera for this fixture – their return to the top flight after 14 seasons away.
Star player Alex Fernandez wasn’t fit enough to start, Alvaro Negredo made his club debut, as eight of the starting XI played in the Primera Division for the first time. In goal David Gil was preferred to 41 year old Alberto Cifuentes, who would have become La Liga’s oldest debutant.
Cadiz played a 4-4-1-1 with Yann Bodiger operating just off Negredo.
Jagoba Arrasate selected Sergio Herrera in goal and Adrian Lopez in attack. He was without Chimy Avila and Darko Brasanac – both long term absentees. His starting XI boasted four Youth Academy graduates.
The Navarrans shape in many ways mirrored Cadiz’s, with Ruben Garcia playing just behind Adrian. However, the visitors did a far better job of pushing their full backs forward, with Nacho Vidal advancing frequently.
Osasuna’s performance was solid, strong and cohesive. In central defence Aridane Hernandez and David Garcia were imperious, while in midfield Jon Moncayola covered more than 11km and captain Oier showed his qualities defensively and offensively.
It was his possession steal and beautifully weighted pass that set up Adrian for the opening goal on 10 minutes – delightfully finished by the 32 year old. Marcos Mauro and Sergio Gonzalez were culpable defensively for the hosts.
Chances were wasted by Jorge Pombo before Half Time. In the second period Cadiz had a couple of penalty shouts waved away before Iza Carcelen (with a free kick), Salvi Sanchez and Pombo were all denied by Herrera.
With 10 minutes remaining, just as Cadiz were building up some momentum, Osaunsa delivered a killer blow: from Vidal’s throw in, substitute Lucas Torro (commencing his second spell with the club) flicked on for Ruben Garcia who turned Carcelen to finish confidently. His goal wrapped up all three points for Osasuna.
Arrasate's side gave Cadiz a lesson in clinical finishing and defensive solidity, earning their victory through hard work and sensible football.
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