Need To Know: Osasuna vs. Valencia CF

Garay scored a brace last time against Osasuna

Valencia CF’s most recent league game against Osasuna saw Ezequiel Garay score a brace. It was played on Matchday 36 of the 2016/17 season, and ended in a 4-1 win for the team. The goals were Garay’s fourth double of his career, after previous braces against Racing Santander (with Real Madrid in 2006/07) and CD Nacional and Paços de Ferreira (with Benfica in 2013/14).

A tough away trip

It has been seven years since Valencia CF last won at El Sadar. They did so in 2012, thanks to goals from Roberto Soldado and Dani Parejo.

FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF are two of the sides who have failed to beat Osasuna at home this season, and the Navarran side are close to equalling the record for home games undefeated in a row in the league (Primera División and Segunda División) that stretches back to 1959.

Jaume Costa has won five times against Osasuna, and has never lost against them. He was a winner with Villarreal on two visits to El Sadar, in 2013/14 (0-3) and 2016/17 (1-4).

The VCF Academy

The CIES Football Observatory recently highlighted Valencia CF as one of the teams to have provided the most players to the five ‘big leagues’ in Europe (Spain, England, Italy, Germany and France). The VCF Academy has produced several players in the club’s own first team, as well as three players on the books at Osasuna: Rober Ibáñez, Nacho Vidal and Lillo.

Almost 100 years for Osasuna

Osasuna are celebrating the 99th year since their creation on October 24th, 1920, although there is no official date for the fusión between predecessors Sportiva and New Club. Valencia CF have congratulated their opponents on reaching the milestone with a social media message.