Valladolid and Osasuna unable to be separated in stalemate
Led by Argentinian forward Ezequiel Avila, Osasuna’s plan to stage an early offensive proved impotent, as Valladolid thwarted their visitors with faultless defending and gradually gained a foothold of possession.
Los Rojillos keeper Aitor Fernandez was the first to be tested following a thundering half-volley by Darwin Machis, and he was equal to the task to preserve parity.
Having gained just one point from losing positions this league campaign - the joint-lowest tally in the league this term alongside Atlético Madrid - Osasuna knew edging ahead would be crucial.
However, they were struggling to match the intensity of the hosts, who almost went ahead from a chipped Machis attempt that was cleared off the goal line by Aridane Hernandez. Despite failing to draw first blood, Valladolid ended the half on yet another positive note having not trailed in a single home league game at half-time all season.
Machis was once again the protagonist for Valladolid after the break, but it was the visitors who made noise this time around via Ávila’s first-time effort that rattled off the post.
Osasuna substitute Kike Garcia almost immediately made an impact after coming off the bench with a lofted attempt, only to see Jordi Masip pull off a remarkable leaping save.
Very much in the balance, the game tilted back and forth in terms of half-chances, as neither side ultimately got the better of the other in the final-third before full-time.
Despite a third-straight clean sheet, Valladolid fell short of a third successive victory, while Osasuna trail the European places by three points after a third draw from their last four league games.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Aridane Hernandez (Osasuna)
