Ante Budimir scores in his 200th Osasuna appearance and delights fans

Ante Budimir celebrated his 200th La Liga appearance for Osasuna by scoring the penalty that secured a 1-0 win over Getafe. The Croatian striker earned the spot-kick after Getafe defender Dakonam Djene pulled him during a corner.

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They mean a lot to us. The effort was huge, and when it ends like this, everything pays off. I am very happy because this is a very good start. We know Getafe is a very difficult opponent that causes problems for everyone.

The referee initially waved play on, but reviewed the incident after a VAR intervention and pointed to the penalty spot. Budimir took responsibility and scored in first-half stoppage time, with the goal deciding the match.

“Mucho means to us. The effort was huge, and when it ends like this, everything pays off. I am very happy because this is a very good start. We know Getafe is a very difficult opponent that causes problems for everyone,” Budimir told Movistar+.

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This is everyone’s job. If Sergio Herrera had not saved that big chance, we would not have managed to get this result.

The result gave Osasuna seven points from its first three matches. Budimir had also scored from the spot in a 2-1 win over Celta Vigo, after Osasuna opened the season with a goalless draw against Levante. He has now scored 92 goals for the Pamplona club.

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He is the product of a process. He did not get onto this stage by chance.

Budimir said the team had adapted despite having four coaches in just over two years. He also credited goalkeeper Sergio Herrera, saying, “This is everyone’s job. If Sergio Herrera had not saved that big chance, we would not have managed to get this result.” Coach Luis Miguel Ramis called the 35-year-old striker the product of a long process of work and perseverance.

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Budi is 35 years old, and that is a fact, but we can all also agree that he can still contribute a lot to the team.