Zaragoza ends Osasuna hoodoo

Real Zaragoza recorded their first win over Osasuna in five years with an entertaining 3-1 victory at La Romareda.

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Helder Postiga had given the hosts an early lead with a neat finish after four minutes, but Emiliano Armenteros brought Osasuna level with his first goal for the Navarrans 25 minutes later.

The game swung back in Zaragoza's favour, though, moments before the break when Victor Rodriguez's cross was deflected into his own net by David Timor and Apono secured all three points from the penalty spot 19 minutes from time.

A fourth defeat in five games leaves Osasuna rooted to the foot of the table and they were left to rue their profligacy in front of goal as they created just as many chances as the hosts throughout the 90 minutes.

The visitors got off to the worst possible start, though, as Victor released Postiga for the Portuguese international to outpace Lolo and slot the ball calmly below Andres Fernandez.

Zaragoza could have even gone two up early on as both Victor and Ndri Romaric failed to hit the target when well positioned.

But Osasuna began to take a foothold midway through the half and equalised when Armenteros was given acres of time and space to weigh up his shot past Roberto from the edge of the area.

Alvaro Cejudo should then have put the visitors in front but placed his shot wide after being found by Sisi and, within minutes, Zaragoza had retaken the lead when the unfortunate Timor saw his header from Victor's cross loop over the helpless Andres and into the net.

Cejudo had another chance to level for a second time on 65 minutes but again missed the target with a header from a fine Armenteros cross and again he was punished as six minutes later Raoul Loe rashly dived in on Jose Maria Movilla to concede a penalty.

Apono confidently fired his spot-kick straight down the middle of the goal to give his side a two-goal cushion.

Despite Osasuna creating a host of chances in the final 15 minutes, Nino blasted their best effort straight at Roberto as Zaragoza held on for their second win of the season.