Budimir converted a penalty in the ninth minute after Osasuna had an early goal ruled out for offside. Osambela then settled the contest late on, finishing in the 88th minute to secure three points for the home side.
Arrasate was delighted with the result, particularly after a strong opening period from his players. The Osasuna manager also recognised the importance of giving the home supporters something to celebrate.
“Very happy, it was important to start with a win and above all I’m happy for the fans and the players,” he said.
Arrasate felt his team had delivered the kind of energetic performance associated with playing at El Sadar, controlling the first half before defending their advantage after the break.
“It is one of the hallmarks of El Sadar. The start was very good, and the first half in general. In the second half we defended well and I think it was a convincing and deserved victory.”
Racing coach José Alberto, however, was unhappy with the circumstances surrounding the opening goal. He argued that the penalty, together with other refereeing decisions, had influenced the contest, although he acknowledged his side still needed to improve.
“They had intensity, but there were many external factors that affected the result, such as the first penalty. Before that penalty there was a goal disallowed by VAR in our favour, and all of that has an impact,” he said.
“They committed 21 fouls, we committed nine, and we received three cards. We have taken a step forward, although we were not good, because we were not good, but there are situations that are difficult to explain.”
José Alberto also accepted that Racing had failed to make enough of their opportunities when they managed to take control of possession.
“In the second half we had situations where we had an advantage but chose the wrong final pass. Away from home, we have to take another step forward because with what we are doing it will be difficult to pick up points.”
Arrasate defended his team's aggressive approach, saying it was part of Osasuna’s identity. He added that he needed to review the penalty incident again, but preferred to focus on the overall performance.
The result offered Osasuna a valuable lift, while Racing were left to consider both their away form and their inability to turn promising spells into meaningful attacking chances.