|
GOAL - For once goals were not a problem for
Osasuna, who really struggled to find them against Hamburger SV in their
Champions League qualifier in August.
Valdo put them ahead in the 21st minute, but they were left with their backs
to the wall just before the break, as defender Izquerdo got his marching
orders.
However, the Pampalona side were unfazed, and set themselves up to defend
tightly, and hit back on the break. That yielded almost immediate result, as
Juanlu scored seven minutes after the break to make it an incredible 2-0,
with ten men, away from home.
That shook the Turkish side into action though, and they hit back
immediately through Karadeniz, and it was one-way traffic in the final third
of the match. Osasuna fought hard, but could not prevent the dominant home
side from tying it in the 89th minute.
However, they will have taken a lot from the match, and should, like
Espanyol, back themselves to finish the business in two weeks' time. Also,
Uefa Cup might just suit their potential better, particularly in terms of
how much it could take out of their La Liga displays.
Over the last few seasons, Real Sociedad, Celta Vigo and Real Betis have
each struggled due to their Champions League exertions. While Sociedad and
Betis survived in top flight, Celta were relegated for their efforts, and
had to spend an embarrassing year in La Segunda before making it back.
The inability to do much better than last season's fourth place finish was
probably the reason why Javier Aguirre moved to Atletico Madrid, and Jose
Angel Ziganada will have to do something special now to even finish in the
top six.
Under the circumstances, the Uefa Cup remains their best bet, and if they
can redicover last season's rythm, a lengthy European campaign is definitely
on the cards.
Trabzonspor: Jefferson, Stepanov, Ferhat, Akyel, Ucuncu, Cimsir (Riza,
min.45), Szymkowlak, Kocak, Karadeniz, Martín, Marcelinho (Bulut, min.78).
Osasuna: Ricardo, Cruchaga, Josetxo, Izquierdo, Monreal (Cuellar, min. 69),
Nekounam, Raúl García, Valdo, Juanlu (Font, min.78), Webo, Milosevic (Javier
Flaño, min. 45).
Goals: 0-1, Valdo (min. 20); 0-2, Juanlu (min. 52); 1-2, Karadeniz (min.
54); 2-2, Bulut (min. 89).
|
