RC Celta 1-2 CA Osasuna: Osasuna strike late to stun Balaídos on opening weekend of La Liga

RC Celta got off to a losing start in their 2026-27 La Liga campaign as CA Osasuna produced a spirited comeback to win 2-1 at a rain-soaked Balaídos on Friday night. The match, which kicked off at 02:30 CET, had been expected to provide a tight, tactical contest between two sides who enjoy playing through midfield, but it was Osasuna who emerged with all three points thanks to a determined second-half display.

First-half snapshot: Celta control possession but fail to press home advantage

Celta made their intentions clear from the opening whistle. Playing in front of their home supporters under the floodlights, they dominated the ball in the first half and looked the more likely side to break the deadlock. Their patient build-up and quick combinations in wide areas created a steady stream of half-chances, and it was no surprise when they took the lead just after the half-hour mark. A well-worked move saw Celta's attacking midfielder slip in a precise through-ball behind the Osasuna defence, and the finish was clinical — low and hard into the corner of the net to make it 1-0.

Osasuna, as is their custom, refused to panic. They remained compact in their defensive shape and looked to play in transition, relying on the physical presence of their forward line and the energy of their wide players. Despite falling behind, they went into the interval with a clear belief that the game remained well within reach.

Second half: Osasuna’s resilience and late rally turn the match around

Whatever Osasuna's coaching staff said during the break certainly had the desired effect. The visitors emerged with greater intensity, pressing higher up the pitch and forcing Celta into uncharacteristic sloppiness with the ball. The equaliser arrived midway through the second half when Osasuna capitalised on a loose pass in midfield and surged forward on the counter-attack. A low cross into the box was met at the near post, and the finish was emphatic — leaving the Celta goalkeeper with no chance.

Balaídos, which had been confident at the start of the half, suddenly grew anxious. Celta pushed forward in search of a second winner, but their urgency opened up spaces in behind, and Osasuna nearly exploited it on several occasions before finding the decisive goal in stoppage time. A long ball into the Celta box caused a scramble, and Osasuna’s substitute pounced on the rebound to fire home and spark wild celebrations among the travelling support. It was a dramatic finish to what had been an evenly fought contest for long periods.

Tactical story: Midfield battle and the value of composure

The defining theme of the match was Celta’s inability to convert territorial dominance into a second goal. They controlled the ball well and produced periods of sustained pressure, particularly in the opening 25 minutes of each half, but lacked a killer instinct in the final third. Osasuna, by contrast, were disciplined and patient, and their willingness to stay in the game allowed them to profit from Celta’s late desperation.

Osasuna’s four-man midfield also deserves particular credit. They narrowed the spaces between the lines in the second half, cutting off Celta’s supply lines and forcing the home side into wider, less dangerous positions. The winning goal came from exactly the kind of direct, physical play that Osasuna have become synonymous with in La Liga under their current coaching setup.

Standout players

• Osasuna’s forward line: Their movement and hold-up play were vital, especially after the equaliser, and they were a constant threat on the counter.
• Celta’s playmaker: Involved in most of Celta’s best moments in the first half, but faded as the match wore on and the visitors increased their pressure.
• Osasuna’s goalkeeper: Produced a key save early in the second half that kept the visitors in the game at 1-0, which proved to be a major turning point.

La Liga impact and what comes next

This result sends an early signal in the 2026-27 La Liga standings. Osasuna have picked up a valuable away victory to kick off their season, while Celta must quickly regroup after surrendering a lead at home. With matches coming thick and fast in August, both sides will be aware that momentum at the start of the campaign can set the tone for the months ahead.

For Osasuna, this was a statement of intent — a resilient, well-organised away performance capped by a late winner. For Celta, the focus now shifts to correcting their defensive mistakes and improving their game management when holding a lead. One match is not enough to judge a season, but the warning signs are there for the home side, just as the promise is clear for Los Rojillos.