Los Che’s opening goal was one of counterattacking brilliance that was instigated by Jose Gaya and Samuel Lino.
The latter worked the ball out to Edinson Cavani, and the Uruguayan’s through ball was superbly clipped over Sergio Herrera by Justin Kluivert for his first Valencia goal to give Gennaro Gattuso’s side a deserved lead at the break.
Cavani clutched his face in disbelief after the break when Unai Garcia threw himself at the forward’s feet to block his effort, with Kluviert denied a chance to add an assist to his name.
That frustration did not last long, though, as Mouctar Diakhaby showed excellent tenacity to prod home a loose ball following a sequence of pinball inside the box, with Osasuna failing to clear Kluviert’s corner to safety.
The breathless start to the second half continued as Hugo Guillamon was penalised for a challenge on Kike Garcia in the area and Los Rojillos were awarded a penalty.
However, Chimy Avila failed to take advantage of the spot-kick and skied the ball high into the stands. Jagoba Arrasate’s men were having a night to forget, and their misery was compounded when Garcia was shown a straight red card for bringing down Lino.
Cavani stepped up from 12 yards, but saw his penalty hit the bar to prolong his wait for a first Valencia goal.
The hosts squandered a number of late chances, but did at least pull one back when Darko Brasanac fired in a superb strike off the post.
Despite some unsavoury final stages - Diakhaby picked up a red card in injury time for dissent despite already being substituted, while Ruben Pena received his marching orders for an awful challenge soon after - Valencia secured their first away win of the season.
Meanwhile, the defeat is a bump in the road for Osasuna, who fall just two positions to eighth.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Samuel Lino (Valencia)
