Osasuna 0-2 Sevilla; 15 Years of Pain

By: Anthony | September 21st, 2009

Well 15 years later and we finally manage to win in the Estadio Reyno de Navarra against Osasuna. Not only did we win, but we did so with an intent that besides the Valencia match to begin the season, has been prominent throughout the other matches. Negredo with his first goal in the legendary jersey of Sevilla and our prodigal son Kanouté with his first goal of the year.

Fabiano picked up a knock last week in our Champions League match against Unirea and did not travel with us to Pamplona. Everyone knows about O Fabuloso’s recent untouchable form and it worried me that he wasn’t traveling with the team to a place where we hadn’t come away with three points since our own coach had been on the pitch but in the end, the resilience of our squad shone through again and we came away with a massive result.

Navas was rested and Perotti started in his spot on the left as Adriano started on the left side of the midfield. Drago got the start in central defense for Escudé and Sánchez started at right back again as he clearly impressed Jiménez in our Champions League fixture. A surprising start was given to Lolo as he replaced Renato in central midfield to start this match. The Brasilian scored the second goal of our triumph over Romanian champions Unirea last week in the Champions League but like many other players who started in that match, was rested.

As usual, Perotti was on absolute top form and Adriano followed suit on the opposite flank as both the wingers gave Negredo and Kanouté enough chances to make something out of. Once again Zokora was an absolute rock in the centre of midfield as he never really allowed Osasuna to materialize any dangerous attacks.

At one point Osasuna actually controlled the play and had a few chances, all of which they could not finish but that only lasted momentarily as Perotti chested down a high ball just outside the 18 yard box which Kanouté smashed on the half-volley under the Osasuna keeper to put us ahead 2-0.

Other than a little slip up against Valencia which also was the first match of the season, this team certainly looks like it has what it takes. Granted, we haven’t played any of the top sides in La Liga besides Valencia but it’s just the way we pass with such fluidity and finish with such venom. I really only expect greater things from here on in and as long as we keep our cool and stick to the game plan, we should have no problems exceeding expectations.