Osasuna welcomed Real Zaragoza to the Estadio El Sadar on Saturday knowing that three points would have moved them into 16th position in the table.
They opened the scoring after just four minutes when Kike Sola headed home from close range, with that score remaining at the interval.
Both teams had chances in the second period, but neither could find the back of the net as Osasuna held on for a vital three points.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! No rest for the wicked. Our third and final La Liga commentary of the day comes from El Sadar as Osasuna welcome Zaragoza. Both sides currently find themselves in a relegation scrap as we approach the latter stages of the season. In many ways, this is the most fascinating fixture of week 24.
The home side enter the match in the better form having won two of their last five league matches, but poor early-season form sees them sit just one spot outside of the relegation zone. However, they would leapfrog Zaragoza with three points this evening. But they have managed just four wins from their 12 home league games this season.
Zaragoza, meanwhile, are really struggling. They were beaten 2-1 last time out by Real Sociedad to leave them in 16th position in the table. Due to the proximity of the teams at the bottom, a couple of defeats are enough to pull them into trouble. Their away form has been surprisingly good this season, however, having won four of their 12 matches on the road.
TEAMS:
OSASUNA: Fernandez; Damia, Ruben, Flano, Lolo; Bertan, Oier, Armenteros, Cejudo; Nino, Sola
ZARAGOZA: Jimenez; Paredes, Sapunaru, Abraham, Movilla; Pinter, Apono, Montanes, Mari; Bienvenu, Rochina
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch. A quick word on the main team news. Nino and Sola both start in attack for Osasuna, while Marc Bertran also comes into the team. Zaragoza, meanwhile, have a new front two with Ruben Rochina and Bienvenu starting in attack. The away side get the action underway.
Almost the perfect start for the away side as Rochina picks up possession before striking a low effort towards the bottom corner, but Fernandez is across to make the save. The resulting corner also causes problems in the box, but Ruben stoops low to clear at the vital moment.
It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. In many ways, this is the most fascinating La Liga fixture of the weekend. Not too much to get excited about in the early stages, however, with both teams just attempting to feel their way into the match. It really is a six-pointer.
GOAL! Osasuna 1-0 Zaragoza (Sola)
Wow! The home side take the lead entirely against the run of play as Damia fires a cross into the penalty area and Sola simply cannot miss as he thumps his header into the back of the net. Stunning goal from Osasuna. Just what the home side ordered.
Perhaps not too surprisingly, that is the quickest goal that Osasuna have scored this season. They go in search of their second as Damia charges down the left before finding Cejudo on the edge of the box, but Movilla is across to clear at the vital moment. Sensational tempo to the opening seven minutes of this match.
Slightly scrappy period of the match in the last couple of minutes with both teams guilty of giving away a host of free kicks in and around the centre circle. The latest allows Apono the chance to whip a dangerous free kick into the box, but Lolo is on hand to clear. The pressure remains with Jose Mari, but there is no way through this stern Osasuna defence.
A reminder of how the bottom of the table is shaping up. As it stands, Osasuna would move above Zaragoza into 16th position, but Zaragoza would remain four points clear of the relegation zone. The three teams currently occupying the relegation zone are Celta Vigo, Real Mallorca and Deportivo, who all look in big trouble.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the past few minutes with both teams guilty of handing possession away in midfield. You get the feeling that there will not be too many goals this evening. Zaragoza once more attempt to force the issue as Rochina drives into the box, but Ruben is across to clear, before Bienvenu heads over moments later.
Again it's good work from Lolo as the Osasuna defender finds Cejudo down the right, the Spaniard cuts inside before whipping a low cross into the penalty area, but Paredes is across to clear. Cejudo comes close with a powerful effort moments later, but it just whistles past the post. That's some strike.
In fairness to Zaragoza, they have responded since falling behind to that early header from Sola. Rochina looks the most likely to make something happen as the on-loan Blackburn striker combines with Apono before striking towards goal, but Lolo clears. No Helder Postiga for the away side this evening.
Again it's good work from the away side as Rochina collects possession from Montanes before whipping a low cross into the box, but it moves straight along the edge of the area without a single touch. Osasuna attempt to break with Sola, but the Spaniard cannot find Nino and once more the move breaks down.
This is the type of match where neither team will be too concerned with their performance as long as they pick up the three points. Zaragoza have not won in six, but Osasuna have lost just one of their last five. That points to one result this evening. Little under 25 minutes of the first period remaining.
Half-chance for the home side as Nino's pace moves him beyond the Zaragoza defence, but his low cross into the penalty area is cleared by Movilla. The pressure continues as Lolo slips a low pass towards Oier, but the danger is cleared following a defensive scramble.
Not too much to get excited about in the last few minutes with both teams guilty of poor passing in midfield. It is easy to see why these two sides have struggled this season. Zaragoza attempt to exploit the wings once more as Paredes drives down the right before firing a cross into the box, but Fernandez is out to claim under pressure from Bienvenu.
Half-chance for the home side once more as Oier slips a low pass behind the Zaragoza defence, but Sola just cannot collect, with Roberto out to clear at the vital moment. The Spanish goalkeeper attempts to launch a counter attack for his side, but his long throw is intercepted by Lolo.
End-to-end football at the moment as Rochina collects possession before finding Sapunaru on the right, the Romanian whips a dangerous cross into the box, but Ruben is on hand to head clear. Bienvenu exploits the Osasuna defence moments later, but he is pulled down by Flano, who receives a yellow card.
The resulting free kick is taken by Apono, but he smashes his effort straight into the wall. The midfielder has a half-chance moments later when he ghosts into the box, but he can only clip over from close range. Zaragoza should be back in this match as we surpass the 30-minute mark.
It is all one-way traffic at the moment as the away side continue to force the issue with Rochina causing all sorts of problems with his pace and trickery. Meanwhile, the pace of Bienvenu is also a real concern for the home side. However, they remain in the lead courtesy of that early header from Sola.
Another half-chance comes to the away side as Rochina collects possession in the box before striking an effort towards the bottom corner, but once more the Osasuna goalkeeper is across to make a fine save. Jose Mari is next to try his luck from distance, but his effort was always moving high of the crossbar.
The pressure continues from Zaragoza as Montanes joins the attack before striking an effort from outside the box, but once more Fernandez collects. Montanes is called into action down the other end when he is forced into a fine block from a Nino strike. The next goal in this match - if there indeed is one - will be massive.
Little over five minutes of the first period to play and Osasuna's lead remains intact. However, Zaragoza have been much the better side, enjoying more possession and creating the majority of the chances, but that means nothing in the overall scheme of things. Apono is again involved as he slips a low pass towards Bienvenu, but Fernandez is out to clear.
The lively Rochina is again involved for Zaragoza as he combines with Apono before driving into the box, but Ruben is across to clear at the vital moment. The home side attempt to break down the other end with Nino, but the Spaniard cannot find his fellow striker Sola, with Paredes on hand to clear.
Decent end to the half from the home side as they force two corners in quick succession, but the first is headed clear by Abraham, before Roberto comes out to claim the latter. Meanwhile, the end of the first period has just been interrupted by a host of bitty fouls. One minute of stoppage time is indicated by the fourth official.
HALF-TIME: Osasuna 1-0 Real Zaragoza
So there we have it. The referee bring the first period to an end with a Sola header after four minutes leaving Osasuna ahead at the interval. However, Zaragoza have been much the better side and should be on terms at this stage of the match.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Zaragoza have dominated the possession with 66%, while they have had six attempts to Osasuna's four. Meanwhile, the home side should arguably be down to 10 men, with Flano pulling down Bienvenu outside the penalty area.
What about the benches for this evening? The home side certainly have attacking options in reserve with the likes of Joseba Llorente and Nano on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Zaragoza are without Postiga, but do have Victor Rodriguez and Stefan Babovic in their squad this evening.
As it stands, Osasuna would move above Zaragoza in the table into 16th position. Zaragoza would remain four points outside of the relegation zone, but at this stage of the season, one more defeat and they are in real trouble. It is shaping up to be a sensational relegation scrap in the final months of the season.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. No changes for either side at the interval which is not too surprising at this stage of events. Let me just take this moment to tell you that we have four live La Liga commentaries tomorrow, starting at 10.30am with Real Sociedad against Levante. Right, the home side get the half underway.
Excuse me, there was indeed a change for the home side at the interval with Silva replacing Cejudo. It must have been an injury because the Spaniard was one of their better players in the first period. A quick statistic, Zaragoza have scored just twice in their last seven matches. They will need at least that total to pick up the three points this evening.
Strong start to the second half from the away side as Movilla drives down the right before whipping a cross into the box, but it just moves out of play for a goal kick. Movilla turns provider moments later as he finds Rochina outside the box, but the striker cannot fashion a shooting opportunity with Paredes on hand to clear at the vital moment.
Bienvenu remains the main outlet for the away side as he continues to cause problems with his pace and power, but the Osasuna defence have stood up well to the threat thus far. The home side attempt to break down the other end as Nino finds Sola, but once more the Spaniard cannot take the ball in his stride.
CHANCE! Glorious chance for the home side as Sola meets a cross from Armenteros, but he can only head wide of the target. Why on earth did he not go with his left foot?! That could have put this game to bed. That is just about the closest that either team has come in the second period.
The home side want a penalty as Nino is felled by Paredes, but the referee is simply not interested as he points for a goal kick. Meanwhile, you can almost sense the frustration from Zaragoza boss Manolo Jimenez as he continues to wave his arms. You do get the feeling that there are more goals in this match.
CHANCE! Again Rochina is involved for the away side as the midfielder dances into the box before firing an effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post. He has certainly looked the most likely to level the scores. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining.
Another half-chance comes down the other end for the home side as Oier meets a cross from Lolo, but the Spaniard can only guide his header wide of the post. Someone has just turned a switch on here as the chances continue to fall for both sides. However, just the one goal separates the two teams as the second period gathers pace.
Osasuna have just started to take control of the tempo in this match as they enjoy possession in the Zaragoza half. I did say that it had the look of a 1-0 type of match, but you do get the feeling that there are more goals to come. However, as mentioned, Zaragoza have scored just twice in their last seven matches.
Really is a high-tempo match at the moment as Osasuna continue to press the ball high in the Zaragoza half. Eventually the away side force the ball forward through Rochina, but the midfielder's cross is headed clear by Ruben. Meanwhile, Zaragoza make their first change of the match as Movilla is replaced by Adria Carmona, who is making his first appearance for the club this evening.
Another half-chance comes to the away side as Apono whips a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but Fernandez comes a long way to clear the danger. Osasuna attack immediately down the other end with Sola, but the Spaniard's pass towards Oier finds his teammate in an offside position.
Little over 20 minutes of football to play in this final La Liga fixture of the evening, with Osasuna still leading courtesy of that early header from Sola. Zaragoza remain a threat, but they have thus far been unable to find a way through. It's a case of 'anywhere will do' for both defences.
Meanwhile, the away side make their second change of the match as Rodri replaces Bienvenu, who has just struggled to get into the second period. It is the home supporters that have found their voice in the past few minutes as they attempt to push their side over the finish line. Time is certainly not on Zaragoza's side at the moment as the minutes continue to tick on.
Another half-chance arrives for Zaragoza as Pinter whips a dangerous cross into the box, but Rochina can only clip his header wide of the post. In truth, the quality of the football in this match has been fairly poor. Another chance arrives for the home side as Sola attempts to lob Roberto, but the Spaniard manages to push it wide of the post.
Meanwhile, the home side make a change as Llorente replaces Sola. A dangerous corner from Oier causes concern in the Zaragoza penalty area, but Nino just cannot make contact at the vital moment, with Abraham clearing the danger. That would have been game, set and match. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining.
This match just appears to be getting away from Zaragoza at the moment as Osasuna take control of the possession. Meanwhile, they are much more of an attacking threat as the match enters its latter stages. Final throw of the dice for the away side as Rochina, who has impressed, is replaced by Edu Oriol. Strange substitution for me.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes with Osasuna comfortable in possession of the ball. I suspect that they will attempt to draw this match to a close with a series of time-wasting techniques. All above board of course! All that matters is the three points.
Meanwhile, the home side are forced into their third and final change of the match as Damia is replaced by Alejandro Arribas for the final stages. Zaragoza have just raised their tempo in the last few moments with Jose Mari and Montanes involved outside the box, but once more the final effort from Rodi is weak.
Zaragoza continue to force the issue with a free kick outside the penalty area. Apono is on hand to deliver a dangerous cross into the box, but Ruben clears with a powerful header. The away supporters continue to let their voices be known in an attempt to drive the ball into the back of the net, but to no avail.
Little under five minutes of football remaining in this match and it appears that Osasuna will pick up a vital three points. The term six-pointer is too widely used in football, but that is the case this evening. Nino comes close to making it 2-0 as he beats the offside trap, but he can only turn wide of the post.
The pressure continues from Zaragoza as they force two corners in quick succession, but the first is headed clear by Lolo before Fernandez comes a long way to claim the latter. A long throw from Pinter also causes concern moments later, but Rodri is penalised for a push on Ruben. Little over one minute of normal time remaining in this match.
It's good intelligence from Silva as the forward collects a pass from Nino before heading straight to the corner flag. It isn't pretty, but he does indeed win his side a set piece. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes of stoppage time and we are into the first of those.
Not too much to get excited about in stoppage time, with Osasuna keeping possession in the Zaragoza half. On the face of it, Zaragoza deserve to take something from the match this evening, but they will ultimately leave with nothing. Well, unless they can fashion something in the remaining 30 seconds of this match.
A half-chance does arrive as Apono stands over a free kick outside the box, but he can only bend his effort just wide of the post. That is just about it for this match. What a vital three points for Osasuna.
FULL-TIME: Osasuna 1-0 Real Zaragoza
So there we have it. Osasuna pick up a vital three points to move into 16th spot in the table. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and join us for more La Liga football tomorrow. Good evening!
