Osasuna welcomed Espanyol to the Estadio El Sadar on Sunday looking to ease their relegation troubles with nine matches remaining.
Neither side could open the scoring in a low-key first period, with clear chances remaining few and far between.
Espanyol took the lead in the early stages of the second half, however, when Hector Moreno thumped a header into the back of the net from close range.
Osasuna pushed for the equaliser in the latter stages, but they were stung on the counter when Mubarak Wakaso made it 2-0 late on.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! The first of three back-to-back live commentaries in La Liga comes from the Estadio El Sadar as Osasuna welcome Espanyol. The home side have moved clear of the relegation zone in recent weeks, while Espanyol are also almost certainly safe from the bottom three. However, we should be in for a cracking match this afternoon.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Osasuna have certainly enjoyed the best of it with four wins from the last five matches, with the other ending in a draw. As mentioned, Osasuna were 3-0 winners in the reverse clash earlier in the season. They also triumphed 2-0 in the corresponding match in the previous campaign.
Osasuna’s impressive 3-1 win over Real Valladolid last time out moved them onto 31 points, five clear of the relegation zone with nine matches remaining. They are far from mathematically safe, but would feel that a couple more victories would be enough to secure their spot in Spain’s top division for another season.
Their home form has been fairly disappointing this season, however, with just five wins from their 15 matches, losing six times in the process. That said, their form on the road has also been far from spectacular with three wins from 14 matches. Overall, it has not been the best of campaigns for the club.
Espanyol, meanwhile, had been rooted to the bottom of the table following a dire start to the season, but that all changed when experienced Mexican boss Javier Aguirre took charge. That said, they have struggled in recent weeks with just two wins from their last six matches, but they are 12 points clear of the drop zone.
Their away form has been fairly mediocre with just three wins from their 14 matches on the road, losing seven times in the process. They have fared better on their own patch with six wins from 15 matches, taking a possible 23 points. If you had offered the club a mid-table finish at the beginning of the season then I suspect they would have taken it.
TEAMS:
OSASUNA: Fernandez; Ruben, Lolo, Bertran, Oier; Arribas, Silva, De las Cuevas; Armenteros, Nino, Sola
ESPANYOL: Casilla; Colotto, Moreno, Forlin, Alvarez; Simao, Verdu, Baena, Lopez; Garcia, Stuani
So there we have it. The home side once more pair Nino and Kike Sola in attack, but there is no place for Joseba Llorente, who starts on the bench. Espanyol, meanwhile, have Sergio Garcia and Christian Stuani in attack, but Martin Petrov and Samuele Longo must make do with spots on the bench.
Taking a look at the statistics, it is not difficult to see where Osasuna have struggled this season. They have scored just 26 goals in their 29 matches to date, the joint-worst record in the division. Espanyol, meanwhile, have scored 35 times. Down the other end, Osasuna have conceded just 33 goals, the same number as Barcelona, while Espanyol are not too far behind with 39.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. Neither team has been in particularly good form in recent weeks, but I am backing Osasuna to pick up a narrow victory.
Just a quick reminder that following the completion of this match we have action from Madrid as Getafe welcome Atletico Madrid, before Valencia host Real Valladolid in the late start. Be sure to remain with us for the action. Right, the home side get the half underway on this mild afternoon in Pamplona.
Not a full house inside the stadium this afternoon, but there is certainly a good atmosphere. Bright start from the away side as Sergio Garcia collects a pass outside the box before turning and striking an effort on goal, but it was always moving wide of the post. Osasuna break down the other end with Sola, but Colotto is across to clear the danger.
CROSSBAR! You just get the feeling that the first goal could be decisive in this type of match. Osasuna have been impressive in recent weeks, but the pressure is really off Espanyol this afternoon. Garcia has a fine opportunity for the away side as he thumps an effort from close range, but it rattles against the crossbar.
It is the Espanyol supporters that can be heard in the early stages with the away side playing most of the football inside the opening six minutes. Verdu attempts to force the issue with a floated cross towards Stuani, but Lolo is across to clear for a corner. All one-way traffic, with Aguirre's side in the ascendancy.
Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about thus far with the likes of Silva and De las Cuevas seeing little of the ball. Espanyol once more demonstrate their willingness to commit players to each attack as Verdu combines with Baena before driving into the box, but the danger is cleared for a corner.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced into action to deal with a number of challenges, while the offside flag has been raised a number of times in each half. In truth, a draw would not be the worst result for either of these two sides this afternoon.
Better from the home side in the last couple of moments as Silva collects possession down the left before driving a low cross into the box, but Forlin is across to clear at the vital moment. It falls to the Osasuna midfielder moments later, but he slices his effort horribly out of play.
Stuani becomes the first player to enter the referee's book for a late challenge on Sola. The resulting free kick is delivered towards Arribas, who makes firm contact, but it was always rising over the crossbar. Espanyol break down the other end with Baena, but his pass towards Simao just left the Portuguese international with too much ground to make up.
I would love to be able to state that we have had a host of attacking chances in the last couple of moments, but that has not been the case. In fact, the ball has spent more time in the air than on the deck in the last few moments. In a weekend that has been full of excitement, this has been short of the required quality thus far.
Osasuna have just started to take control of the possession in the last few moments, but the majority of their threat has come from free kicks outside the box. Another half-chance arrives as Oier meets a set piece from Nino, but once more it is high and wide of the target. Meanwhile, not too much for the Espanyol supporters to get excited about.
There is a real sense of ill-feeling in this match as the challenges continue to fly in from both sides. It has been really bitty, but the referee has thus far kept tempers contained. The latest free kick allows De las Cuevas to drive a free kick into the box, but once more Casilla comes through traffic to claim with relative ease.
Just a reminder that following this match we have action from the Spanish capital as Getafe welcome Atletico Madrid. I have a feeling that one could be a real cracker. Still no real clear chances for either side in this match, although Espanyol, in the shape of Javi Lopez and Garcia, have had some efforts from distance in the last couple of minutes.
More of a threat from the away side in the last couple of moments with Garcia and Simao both prepared to run behind the Osasuna defence. The latter is involved as he combines with Stuani before driving a low cross into the box, but once more there are no takers. Little under 20 minutes of the first period remaining in Osasuna.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Armenteros drives a low cross towards Sola, but the striker can only turn wide of the goal. Espanyol threaten on the counter moments later with a through pass from Verdu, but Fernandez is off his line to clear the danger.
Sola is again the danger for the home side as he crafts into the box before striking an effort towards goal, but it deflects wide for a corner. The resulting set piece causes problems in the Espanyol box, but Oier just cannot make proper contact under pressure from Forlin. Truth be told, it has not been a good watch thus far.
Half-chance for the away side this time as Verdu drives into the penalty area before squaring to Stuani, but Lolo was back at the final moment to clear the danger. Once more the resulting corner causes concern in the box, but Fernandez clears, before Sola misses an absolute sitter down the other end moments later.
It is all one-way traffic at the moment as the home side continue to force the issue with a number of crosses into the box, but they just cannot find that elusive pass in the final third. Much more of an attacking contest at the moment, with each defence finally becoming stretched. Just about 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
It just isn't quite happening for Espanyol at the moment with Garcia and Stuani relinquishing possession in the final third. Verdu remains the brightest spark as he combines with Simao before advancing into the box, but his effort is just wide of the target, before Hector Moreno picks up a booking down the other end for a challenge on Armenteros.
It must be said that the quality on display has not been up to the usual standard in this first period. Both sides have had a couple of decent chances, but opportunities have been few and far between. A half-chance does arrive for Armenteros as Sola drives a cross into the box, but the Argentine just cannot make proper contact.
Osasuna continue to force the issue as they pass and probe outside the box, Sola wants a penalty as he is bundled over in the area under contact from Moreno, but the referee is not interested and rightly so. Little over three minutes remaining in the first period.
Not too much to report in the final moments of the first period, with both sides struggling to find that elusive final pass. Let's hope that the second half is more of an attacking contest. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Osasuna 0-0 Espanyol
Well, we have seen some wonderful matches in La Liga this weekend, but this has not been one of them. Both sides have had a couple of half-chances, but clear opportunities have been few and far between. Neither side has done enough to be leading at this stage of proceedings.
STATISTICS: The home side have dominated possession with 56%, but they have managed just four attempts to Espanyol's five. However, Osasuna have failed to fit the target with a single attempt thus far. That is an indication of just how it has been in the first period.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a host of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Llorente, Nano and Cejudo. Meanwhile, Espanyol have the likes of Longo, Petrov and Wubarak in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
As it stands, Osasuna would remain in 15th position in the table, six points clear of the bottom three. Meanwhile, Espanyol would continue in 12th position. Right, no changes for either side at the interval, which is not too surprising at this stage of events. The away side get the second period underway.
Decent start to the second period from the away side as Stuani collects possession just outside the box before turning and striking an effort on goal, but it just moved wide of the post. Meanwhile, the away side make an early change as Simao is replaced by Wubarak, who will add some power to the midfield.
Stuani is involved moments later as he meets a cross from Forlin, but he can only head wide of the target when he should have perhaps done better. Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about in the early stages of the half. It is the type of match that could be won by the odd goal.
GOAL! Osasuna 0-1 Espanyol (Moreno)
First blood to Espanyol! The away side take the lead in the early stages of the second period as Moreno meets a cross from Verdu before thumping his header into the back of the net. The match really needed a goal. Hopefully we will see it open up now.
Again Espanyol force the issue as Verdu combines with Garcia before driving into the Osasuna box, but Lolo is across to clear at the vital moment. The resulting corner is once more met by the head of Stuani, but this time is it is over the crossbar. Osasuna really need to settle with possession here.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Silva collects possession outside the box before striking an effort on goal, but Casilla was always comfortable in dealing with the danger. Osasuna have been restricted to long-range efforts thus far. Little under 35 minutes of football remaining in this La Liga encounter.
Real sense of nervousness around the stadium as the home side continue to lose possession in the final third. A reminder that this result would not drop Osasuna into the bottom three, but it would certainly leave them looking over their shoulders. However, you just get the feeling that we will see more goals in this one.
Mubarak's pace causes problems to the home side as the Ghanaian collects possession on the right before beating two players and driving a low cross into the box, but Fernandez was out to claim the danger. Osasuna do come close down the other end moments later, but Sola can only clip an effort wide from close range.
Osasuna just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as they continue to come under pressure from a series of high balls, but Fernandez has been able to quell the danger. I would be surprised if we did not see a home change in the next five minutes or so. The goal for Espanyol has allowed the home team to settle in and protect their lead.
Slightly scrappy period of the match in the last few moments with both sides guilty of a host of poor challenges in the final third. In fairness it has not really been that type of match, but the referee has been busier than he might have expected. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining at the El Sadar.
Osasuna make their first change of the match as Lolo is replaced by Punal. They still have the likes of Llorente and Shojaei in reserve, both of whom could make a difference in the latter stages. Not too much to report in terms of chances, however, with Espanyol comfortable in possession of the ball. Still no real attacking threat from the hosts.
Half-chance for the home side as De las Cuevas collects possession outside the box before bending an effort towards the bottom corner, but Casilla was comfortable in palming wide of his post. Two corners follow in quick succession, but neither comes close to really worrying the Espanyol defence. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining.
Osasuna have the ball in the back of the net as Nino scores from close range, but the 'goal' is chalked off for offside, much to the frustration of the home supporters. However, replays have shown that it was indeed the correct decision. Will we have late drama here? Or are Espanyol heading for another away victory?
Little over 15 minutes of football remaining at the El Sadar, with still no sign of that elusive home strike. They do gain a free kick just outside the box as Javi Lopez dives into a challenge with Nino, but the set piece is fired straight out of play. It simply has to be better at this level of football.
CHANCE! Another wonderful opportunity for the home side as Sola beats the offside trap before striking an effort from close range, but it just moved wide of the post at the final moment. You cannot say that they haven't had chances. Still Espanyol lead by the single goal with 76 minutes on the clock.
Decent pressure from the home side as they continue to float high balls into the penalty area, but Espanyol have been impressive in defence thus far. The referee has once more been called into action in the last few minutes with Bertran the latest player to enter the book. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining.
The away side make their second change of the match as Tejera replaces Verdu, who had seemingly picked up a knock in the last few moments. It is all getting a little bit bitty at the moment, meanwhile, as the challenges continue to fly in. That will suit Espanyol, who hold the lead in the latter stages. But there is still time for late drama here.
Still the pressure remains as Osasuna force cross after cross into the penalty area, but they have run out of ideas as Espanyol continue to repel the danger. Garcia provides an outlet on the counter attack as he drives into the opposing half, but he loses possession in a clash with Ruben.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with chances remaining few and far between. In truth, neither side deserves to win this match, but it does appear that Espanyol have done enough to pick up all the points. Little over five minutes of normal time to play, with Osasuna in possession in the Espanyol half.
For a team that are trailing in the latter stages of the match, Osasuna are in no hurry. It is all slightly one-paced as they pass and probe outside the box, but Espanyol are prepared to sit in and quell the danger. A long-distance strike comes from Sola, but it was always moving wide of the post.
Change for the away side as Petrov replaces Baena, while Ruben is replaced by Llorente for Osasuna. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of football at the end of the match. Will we have late drama? It is now or never for Osasuna.
GOAL! Osasuna 0-2 Espanyol (Wakaso)
Espanyol wrap up the points in style as Wakaso beats Andres Fernandez to the ball before thumping his effort into the back of the net. That is a stunning finish from the midfielder. It is game, set and match.
FULL-TIME: Osasuna 0-2 Espanyol
So there we have it. Espanyol score a goal in either half to record a 2-0 win over Osasuna. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for action from Getafe against Atletico Madrid. Until then!
