A catalogue of defensive errors and the ruthlessness of Roberto told the entire story as Espanyol claimed all three points away at Osasuna. The 'Pericos' frontman put the visitors firmly in command with a brace inside the opening 17 minutes, aided immensely by an astonishingly charitable home rearguard. Rockson Yeboah was caught completely flat-footed for the opener, allowing Roberto to slide in and convert Marcos' pinpoint low delivery from the right flank to make it 0-1. Osasuna's defensive nightmare only escalated in the 17th minute when another ball in from the right—this time courtesy of Omar El Hilali—saw Catena let the ball pass straight through to an unattended Roberto, who gleefully slotted home his second of the afternoon.

Sandwiched between those two strikes came a moment of acute frustration for Osasuna, who were denied what looked an unequivocal spot-kick when Riedel on Raul Garcia de Haro went unpunished. Neither the referee nor the VAR saw fit to intervene, despite video evidence pointing to clear contact. The complexion of the afternoon might have altered further had Ruben Garcia's goal a minute after the 0-2 stood, but the ball had already crossed the byline before the number 14 bundled it over from point-blank range. From then on, Osasuna resorted to pumping hopeful crosses into the box, while Espanyol dictated proceedings with consummate composure to seal the win.

Osasuna: If defensive discipline is meant to be the hallmark of Luis Miguel Ramis' management, Osasuna have grave concerns to address. Both Rockson Yeboah and Alejandro Catena handed Roberto his goals on a silver platter, epitomising the panic that ran through the backline all afternoon. Raul Garcia de Haro offered plenty of endeavour without the required cutting edge, while Ante Budimir was an anonymous figure barring a stray header. Inevitably, the contentious decision to wave away the penalty appeal—which appeared blatant—will linger as a critical turning point.

Espanyol: Roberto Fernandez provided a clinic in pure marksmanship: two chances, two clinical finishes. The striker continues to mount an irresistible claim for a senior call-up from Spain boss Luis de la Fuente. While Manolo Gonzalez's charges were undoubtedly the beneficiaries of defensive generosity, their electric start and shrewd game control were entirely of their own making. Despite Osasuna committing bodies forward, Marko Dmitrovic was never genuinely stretched. The 'Pericos' comfortably repelled the hosts' aerial bombardment to wrap up a priceless away victory and climb onto seven points.

Roberto

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