Spanish football: Club Atlético Osasuna

It’s summer but Spain Buddy’s Spanish football series isn’t having a break, as Matthew Hirtes resumes his tour of the country’s leading clubs. This time it’s Club Atlético Osasuna.

Club Atlético Osasuna…in 90 seconds

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When they’re not playing away, you’ll find Club Atlético Osasuna at home in Pamplona’s Estadio El Sadar. Located both south of the river from which it takes its name and the city centre, this Navarre club’s stadium is situated in the industrial area of the provincial capital. Osasuna moved here in 1967 from the more central Campo de San Juan.

Legends

Conceding 94 goals in the 2016-17 season which would see them relegated from La Liga, Osasuna could have done with a trio of defensive heroes in their ranks. Like Pepín who marshalled the back line like a knight in shining armour during the 80s and 90s over the course of 275 games. Or teammate Eugenio Bustingorri Oíz whose efforts in helping Osasuna record a fourth-placed finish in the Spanish top flight for the first time earned him a place in the Mundo Deportivo team of the 1990-91 season, at left back. Or even former youth-team product César Azpiliculeta, currently of Chelsea and Spain, with then manager Jose Mourinho declaring that a team of Azpiliculetas would win the Champions’ League.

Club Atlético Osasuna Form Guide

Formed on Sunday 24th October 1920, Osasuna’s name means health in Basque. The Gorritxoak’s, as in Reds’, only silverware has come about through their league form (four Segunda División titles), although they did finish runners up to Real Betis in the 2005 Copa del Rey final with Australian international striker John Aliosi’s equalising goal not enough to prevent a 2-1 extra-time defeat. A year later, again under the stewardship of Mexican manager Javier Aguirre, Osasuna would qualify for the right to play in the Champions League by finishing level on points with Sevilla but taking fourth spot in La Liga because of a superior head-to-head record.

Club Shop Essential Purchase

Flick to kick with a Subbuteo Osasuna set, yours for 34,95€.

Eat/Drink At

The club has its very own tavern in the form of El Bodegón del Sadar which offers set and tasting menus Monday to Friday and pinchos on matchdays. Another fans’ favourite is the nearby Bar Casa Albero where win or lose, the supporters enjoy the booze, especially the local cider.

Support 

When Estadio El Sadar first opened, it could accomodate 25,000 fans. However, with the move to all-seater stadia plus safety-related refurbishment; its capacity has been reduced. These days, the El Sadar has room for a mere 18,761 souls.

Terrace Anthem 

Damage to Your Wallet

To date, over 9,000 loyal supporters have renewed their season tickets for the 2017-18 season. The Carné de Simpatizante, 60€, is a way to ensure priority booking on Osasuna tickets home and away. If travelling to the ground on the day, you should be able to source a ticket fairly easily given that the club now find themselves in La Liga Adelante again.

Matthew Hirtes

Matthew Hirtes, our resident broadsheet journalist, moved to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria back in 2004. He’s travelled extensively through Spain, covering it for such publications as Telegraph Travel, Metro, and The Independent. The author of Going Local in Gran Canaria: How To Turn a Holiday Destination into a Home, Matthew truly is a resident expert.

Matthew writes for two sections of Spain Buddy: Moving to Spain and Spanish Football as well as providing Reviews