Getafe 1-0 Osasuna
The final match of the season brought unexpected tensions for both Getafe and Osasuna. As Getafe sought to secure their place in the Conference League, Osasuna’s manager, Alessio Lisci, acknowledged surprise at his team’s involvement in a five-way battle for relegation on the last day. Both teams understood that there was a strong possibility that only one team would celebrate at the end of the match.
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Osasuna looked the brighter side initially, with early set-pieces applying pressure. Raul Garcia de Haro nearly capitalized on a promising chance but was thwarted by David Soria, who saved the shot. True to their style, Getafe managed to stifle any momentum Osasuna had built.
As the match continued, both teams resembled boxers dancing around each other, unable to land a decisive blow in the first half. Getafe remained in a comfortable Conference League position while Osasuna struggled to maintain their La Liga status as halftime concluded, making scoring seem improbable.
Getafe: A Team Focused on Defense
The second half began similarly, but as the hour mark approached, Getafe unexpectedly took the lead. Mauro Arambarri failed to convert a shot near the box, but Luis Milla made sure he did, and a crucial deflection by Alejandro Catena ensured that Sergio Herrera could not reach it. Amidst jubilant celebrations, chants of ‘Milla, stay’ reverberated around the stadium, acknowledging his likely departure from the club.
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With 20 minutes left, Osasuna remained above the relegation zone but was compelled to push for an equalizer. Manager Lisci grew increasingly frustrated as his side struggled to find their rhythm, allowing Getafe to exploit the space on counterattacks.
In the closing minutes, Osasuna showed no signs of breaking through Soria’s defenses, as Getafe read their every move. A late challenge by Enzo Boyomo on Arambarri finally ignited Osasuna’s urgency with just five minutes remaining. Javi Galan delivered a cross for Asier Osambela, but Soria was quick to react, keeping his position strong.
Osasuna had a goal disallowed due to a quick free-kick that was pulled back, revealing their desperation to score. With three minutes left, Garcia de Haro attempted a free-kick that sailed over the goal, further heightening the tension within the Getafe crowd, who realized they were on the brink of something significant. With Rayo Vallecano had taken the lead against Alaves, any goal from Osasuna could jeopardize Getafe’s European dream.
The defining moment of the match showcased Allan Nyom, a 38-year-old veteran and loyal servant of manager Jose Bordalas, who spent five out of the last seven seasons with Getafe. With Osasuna finally applying pressure, Garcia de Haro attempted a header that tested Soria, but their most promising chance emerged when Ante Budimir found himself one-on-one with Nyom. After drawing a foul, he quickly regained his feet, gripping the ball passionately while rallying the crowd.
Over time, Bordalas has often praised Nyom publicly. In the aftermath of this match, the images of Nyom’s determination may be used to inspire future players in Bordalas’s methods. With this victory, Getafe secured a return to Europe for the first time in six years since the pandemic, achieving this amidst challenging circumstances. Starting the season with only 13 players, they concluded it with thousands of cheering fans as they chanted ‘Bordalas, I love you’.
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Meanwhile, Osasuna managed to celebrate their survival in La Liga, minutes after the final whistle confirmed they would remain in the top flight. It’s rare for outcomes to be entirely joyful for all, but perhaps for them, it was a moment of relief. The festivities in Getafe are expected to carry on late into the night.