Higinio saves the Numancia and leaves the mold to Osasuna
When Osasuna almost relished his third consecutive victory and his assault on the playoffs, a header from Higinio from a corner 90 minutes into'd better Numancia to tie Los Pajaritos and neutralize the superb header from Quique González after a fault painstakingly taken by Fran Mérida midway through the second half. Crucial match for the two contenders, transcendent party that had its faithful reflection in the stands of Los Pajaritos. A very good entry into the Municipal (6,903 spectators), with about a thousand followers from Pamplona. Both Numancia and Osasuna needed the victory on this day to maintain their options to continue fighting for one of the increasingly sought-after places in the promotion phase. In the end, cast 'in extremis' of points that leaves Sorians and Navarre out of the positions of promotion phase, but with the possibility of continuing to dream in the two remaining days of the tournament.
The Numancia caressed those places three days ago, but two consecutive setbacks (Valladolid and Lorca) and the point against Osasuna, minimizes those options. On the other hand, the Navarre scene, which was coming up after two consecutive wins, leaves Soria with a bitter taste as it was close to taking three vital gold points, but a Higinio header in the last bars avoided it. Although mathematically still maintains options, and everything can happen given the existing equality in the category. Numancia and Osasuna can not fail again, and at the same time they must wait for that failure in the direct rivals.Follow our free tips apuestas de futbol.
The Numantino coach made three changes in the starting lineup: Escassi returned to the center of the defense, on the left side he started Ripa, while Pere Milla returned to the half point. Meanwhile, Diego Martínez made two variants, with the presence in the team of Unai García to replace the suspended Aridane and Fran Mérida for Torres. A game too tactical In general, it was a tactical football game, with much respect given what both teams played, but not very attractive for the spectator. In the first half, the local team came out more plugged, but immediately the forces were balanced. First period with two squads well positioned in defense, but where in attack you could see a very thick Numancia (no shots on goal, or elaboration of offensive plays) and a well-planted Osasuna, but it is true that he could not create excessive danger before the rival goalkeeper. Although it did have the clearest in a center from the right of Rober Ibáñez with a shot from Oier and a more paradón encounter of Aitor Fernández.
In the second half, the same tonic followed. Numancia as the minutes went by he was noticing some physical and mental exhaustion, against a rival well planted on the pitch waiting to take advantage, if you have, your chance to goal. And he did it with a free kick by Fran Mérida and a header by Quique at the back of the net. Half an hour ahead for a desperate local team (Arrasate moved bench), and a visiting team living a placid afternoon in liq that defensive work is concerned. Only the strategy, in a corner executed by Íñigo Pérez and finished off at the back post by Higinio, matched the contest. Joy on one side, and desolation on the other. The Numancia has not transmitted positive feelings in the last three weeks, but it remains alive. On the other hand, Osasuna caressed to cross the door of the 'playoffs', but took a slam in the discount. Sergio Herrera's injury does not look good The worst news for the Navarrese was the injury of his goalkeeper Sergio Herrera, who left injured with 12 minutes remaining leaving his post to Manu Herrera. Sergio suffers a left knee injury and is awaiting further tests that will be performed at the University Clinic of Navarra.