Osasuna vs Elche: 1-1 Thriller Ends in Late Equaliser at El Sadar

Osasuna vs Elche: 1-1 Thriller Ends in Late Equaliser at El Sadar

Early Lead for Osasuna

From the first whistle, Osasuna looked determined to make a statement at home. In the 10th minute, Víctor Muñoz launched a right‑footed strike from outside the box that curled into the bottom right corner. The assist came from centre‑back Alejandro Catena, whose quick pass split the Elche defence. Fans roared, and the hosts settled into a comfortable rhythm, controlling possession and keeping the pressure on.

At the half‑time break the scoreline read 1-0, and Osasuna’s coach trusted his starting eleven to see the game out. The team stayed compact, with Moi Gómez orchestrating play from midfield and the back line keeping a tight line. Their tactical shape made it hard for Elche to find clear chances, and the early lead seemed enough to secure all three points.

Last‑Gasp Equaliser

Elche, however, refused to fold. The visitors, sitting comfortably in the league’s top five, increased the tempo in the second half. Substitutions rolled in – Josan came on for Álvaro Núñez in the 84th minute – adding fresh legs and a more direct approach. The pressure built, and in the 85th minute Adrià Pedrosa earned a yellow card for a mistimed challenge, a reminder that the match was still in the balance.

With the clock ticking, Elche pushed higher up the pitch. In the 90+2 minute, Pedrosa found space on the left, cut the ball back and slotted it from a tight angle into the centre of the net. The goal sent the away supporters into a frenzy and forced Osasuna to settle for a point after leading most of the game.

Both managers made late tactical switches. Osasuna introduced Kike Barja for Moi Gómez at 86 minutes, hoping to freshen the attack, while Elche shuffled their forward line to protect the newly earned draw.

• Victor Muñoz’s 10th‑minute goal gave Osasuna the early edge.
• Adrià Pedrosa’s injury‑time strike secured a point for Elche.
• Yellow card for Pedrosa in the 85th minute added drama.
• Osasuna: 13th in LaLiga, Elche: 5th.
• Both teams extend unbeaten runs after the draw.

The point keeps Elche within striking distance of the European spots, while Osasuna will need to regroup quickly to climb out of the lower half. Their next fixtures will test whether the early dominance can be turned into full wins or if the late concession becomes a pattern to break.