Osasuna Stuns Sevilla 2-1 in La Liga Thriller: Maupay, Garcia, and Catena Seal Victory
OSASUNA, Spain — In a dramatic La Liga encounter that swung wildly in the final minutes, CA Osasuna secured a stunning 2-1 victory over Sevilla FC on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Estadio El Sadar in Pamplona. The win, sealed by a last-gasp goal from Jean-Claude Billong in the 90+9th minute, moved Osasuna to 42 points in the league standings whereas leaving Sevilla stranded on 38 points.
The match began with Sevilla asserting early dominance, controlling 62% of possession in the opening half-hour and creating several chances. However, Osasuna’s resilience paid off in the 69th minute when Neal Maupay capitalized on a defensive lapse, slotting home a low drive from the edge of the box to put the hosts ahead 1-0. The goal came after a swift counterattack initiated by Rubén García, who intercepted a Sevilla pass in midfield and surged forward before laying off to Maupay.
Sevilla responded with renewed urgency, and their pressure yielded an equalizer in the 80th minute. Jesús Navas delivered a pinpoint cross from the right flank, which Raúl García — no relation to the Osasuna midfielder of the same name — headed powerfully past goalkeeper Sergio Herrera to develop it 1-1. The Sevilla captain’s goal seemed to shift momentum decisively in favor of the visitors, who appeared poised to claim all three points.
But Osasuna refused to yield. As the match entered stoppage time, the home side launched one final assault. In the 90+9th minute, Jean-Claude Billong rose highest to meet a corner kick from Rubén García, directing a powerful header into the bottom corner to spark wild celebrations among the 18,423 spectators at El Sadar. The goal, which came after Sevilla had cleared three previous Osasuna corners, completed a remarkable comeback and left Sevilla players slumped in disbelief.
Post-match, Osasuna manager Jagoba Arrasate praised his team’s mental fortitude. “This victory shows what we’re capable of when we believe until the very end,” Arrasate said. “The players showed incredible character to overcome Sevilla’s quality and snatch the win in the dying seconds.” Sevilla coach García Pimienta, meanwhile, acknowledged the harsh reality of the result. “We had the game under control until the final corner,” he admitted. “Conceding a goal so late is unacceptable, and we must learn from this mistake.”
The result has significant implications for both teams’ La Liga campaigns. Osasuna’s win keeps them firmly in contention for a European qualification spot, currently sitting seventh in the table with 42 points — just two points behind sixth-placed Real Betis. Sevilla’s loss, conversely, deepens their struggle to avoid relegation, as they remain three points above the drop zone in 17th place with 38 points.
Looking ahead, Osasuna will face Real Sociedad in their next La Liga fixture on May 3, 2026, at Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastián. Sevilla, meanwhile, travel to face Valencia CF on May 4, 2026, at Mestalla Stadium in a critical battle to distance themselves from the relegation zone.
For continued updates on La Liga action and in-depth analysis of Sunday’s dramatic conclusion, stay tuned to Archysport.com — your trusted source for comprehensive football coverage.
