Umar Sadiq made a significant impact for Valencia as he scored a brace in their thrilling 3-3 draw against Osasuna in a La Liga encounter at El Sadar on Sunday. The match was one for the history books, as it marked the first time in the 21st century that the stadium witnessed five first-half goals, as confirmed by Opta. The high-scoring match kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the game.
The game started with early drama as Diego López opened the scoring for Valencia in the 14th minute, following a VAR review. However, Osasuna responded quickly, with Aimar Oroz finding the back of the net in the 26th minute to level the score at 1-1. Sadiq then helped Valencia regain the lead in the 32nd minute, showcasing his striking prowess. But the game took another turn as Oroz scored again, and Ante Budimir followed up with a goal to give the hosts a 3-2 lead at halftime.
In the second half, despite the intense pressure from both sides, it was Sadiq who proved to be the hero once again. In the 87th minute, he scored an exquisite backheel goal to secure a point for Valencia, making it 3-3. This goal not only secured the draw but also brought Sadiq's tally to four goals in just nine appearances since his move from Real Sociedad in January, further underlining his growing importance to the team.
Valencia's coach, Carlos Corberán, was full of praise for the Nigerian forward after the match, acknowledging his valuable contribution to the team. He said, “He came very committed, with a lot of desire to work, and the goals will continue to give him the confidence that he and the team need.” This statement reflects Corberán’s belief in Sadiq's abilities and the positive effect his performances are having on the team as a whole.
With regular starter Hugo Duro unavailable due to injury, Sadiq has now firmly placed himself in the spotlight as he looks to earn a more consistent role in Valencia’s attack. His strong performances, especially in crucial moments, have made him a key figure for the team, and his future in the starting lineup looks promising as he continues to build his confidence and form.