Carlos Vela Plays 70 Minutes For Osasuna In 1-0 Win

Carlos Vela returned to the starting line up for Loan club CA Osasuna on Sunday afternoon, as the Osasunistas traveled to Catalonia to take on high flying Espanyol, with the three points important for different reasons to both teams.

Osasuna need the points to stave off relegation, while Espanyol have put themselves is a position to qualify for the Uefa Cup, mainly thanks to goals from skipper Raul Tamudo, so an exciting clash was in prospect at Estadio Olimpico de Montjuic.

In terms of team news, Coach Jose Angel Ziganda welcomed Carlos back to his creative midfield trio, they would be looking to get as much support to loan man Kike - Miguel Flano - Cruchaga - Monreal

Punal - Astudillo

Juanfran - Plasil - C. Vela

Kike Sola

Osasuna have been well known for starting well in their fixtures this term, and that was exactly what happened in the early stages against Espanyol, as the visitors passed the ball impressively and dominated the early possession, the return of the on loan Vela helped confidence, and gave the team a lift, as they pushed for an early goal.

Punal and Plasil tested

Winger Valdo sent a bullet header at Ricardo which the Spanish stopped saved well, then

The fore-mentioned Osasunistas a vital lead.

Kameni then kept his side in the game, when Spanish forward Kike Sola saw his right footed shot saved well, the home side had relied on captain fantastic

The half time break brought the opportunity for Ziganda to talk to his side, and get them mentally ready for a tricky second period, and whatever was said seemed to work, as

However they had no need to panic, and it seemed all three points had been confirmed when

Jose Angel Ziganda, then made changes with the clock ticking down, Carlos Vela was pulled off having ran himself in to the ground for his side, in a game bogged down in midfield, Hector Font came on for the final 20 minutes.

Its a known fact if you are to achieve anything in football, you need a little luck and Osasuna had it, this was confirmed when Raul Tamudo delicately lobbed Ricardo, and as he turned to celebrate,

It finished 1-0 so Osasuna take all three points, this now puts them on the magic

Article By - J.Sanderson