Puñal puts Osasuna on brink
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Article summary
CA Osasuna 3-1 Odense BK Two goals from Patxi Puñal helped Osasuna claim the victory that leaves them within one point of booking a place in the last 32.
Article body
Puñal double
Patxi Puñal struck twice for the Spanish hosts - and also scored an unlikely own goal - before Bernardo Romeo wrapped up the points which leave Osasuna needing a draw from their final game at already-qualified Parma FC on 14 December to make it through. As for OB, they must wait to see if results go their way after completing their campaign in Pamplona.
Missed chances
The visitors seldom looked like getting the victory they required to ensure qualification and were on the back foot in the opening minutes when Javad Nekunam fired just wide. Although OB offered some resistance, with a Tobias Grahn volley and a Radivoje Lekic header flying narrowly wide, they were made to pay for those misses on 29 minutes when Nekunam's corner found Puñal, who drove low into the net from the edge of the area.
Own goal
The Danish team fought back and were on top by the closing stages of the first half, yet Osasuna recovered their stride after the break and after visiting keeper Arek Onyszko had made two fine saves, the Pole could do nothing as Puñal let fly from distance in the 67th minute. OB's efforts were rewarded in the 75th minute when Puñal turned the ball into his own goal following Martin Borre's teasing cross, but any hopes of a comeback were ended three minutes from time when substitute Romeo struck low into the net.