The big La Liga news of the day was Barcelona, as it always seems to be, but that wasn't the only news out of Spain on Tuesday. Most notable was Osasuna coming up with a huge win against Espanyol to keep their Champions League hopes alive. Los Rojillos picked up three points and now find themselves just three points behind Valencia for fourth place and that final spot for European glory.
La Liga 2012, Week 32: Osasuna Win, Betis And Sociedad Draw
Osasuna 2-0 Espanyol
Last week was as bad as could be for Osasuna. They gave up 11 goals in two matches and their Champions League dreams began to fade, but on Tuesday they were back, thanks to a Raúl García brace. That Espanyol picked up two red cards and played with nine men helped matters, too.
Kalu Uche also helped Osasuna out, putting the ball over the bar from five yards when it looked like Espanyol were sure to go a goal up after just five minutes. García made sure Osasuna would take advantage of their fortune in the 53rd minute, when he hit a good volley for a 1-0 lead to the home side. Philippe Coutinho was sent off not long after when he got a second yellow card for kicking the ball away. Up a man, Osasuna added to their lead through García again, who beautifully chipped the goalkeeper before Juan Forlín made things worse for Espanyol with a late sending off.
Rubén Castro continued his blistering run of form with another goal on Tuesday to earn Betis a point on the road. Twenty minutes from time, the striker scored his fourth goal in the last five matches when he managed to get away from three would-be Sociedad defenders and finish for the equalizer.
Early on, it looked like Sociedad would pick up a rather easy victory. They dominated the opening stages and earned themselves a first-half penalty, but Fabricio saved Imanol Agirretxe's spot kick and kept Betis even. Carlos Vela finally put Sociedad ahead shortly after the break, but Betis fought right back. They controlled the latter portion of the match before getting Castro's equalizer for what would prove to be a rather fair draw, considering Betis' late dominance.
Full Report: Barcelona 4-0 Getafe
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