Video of the Highlights: Nekounam sent off as Deportivo defeat Osasuna

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The Galicians had dropped out of the top four after drawing their last three league matches, but had a great chance to boost their Champions League hopes at Riazor against an inconsistent Osasuna outfit.

It proved difficult, though, as the visitors fought hard for long periods and frustrated the Galicians on their own patch for much of the game.

Juan Rodriguez eventually gave Miguel Angel Lotina's men the lead four minutes after the break, but Deportivo were unable to extend their lead, even after Osasuna had Javad Nekounam sent off halfway through the second period for bringing down Andres Guardado.

Jose Antonio Camacho's men started brightly and created the first half-chance of the match, when Carlos Aranda almost made contact with Javier Camunas' cross after 13 minutes.

Uruguay striker Walter Pandiani was also proving a handful for the home defence, although neither side was able to create anything of note in a forgettable first half an hour.

The lively Guardado then came close as Deportivo began to impose themselves on the game, but the Mexico winger miscued his effort following Adrian Lopez's neat cutback.

Guardado should have done better in what was the best chance of the first half, which ended goalless.

Things could only get better after the break and, as far as Deportivo were concerned, they did.

Guardado was the instigator as Depor went ahead, charging down the line and crossing for Rodriguez, who clipped a fierce drive past Ricardo Lopez on the turn to give the home side the edge.

Crucially, Aranda had slipped over just a minute earlier at the other end when he had looked certain to give Osasuna the lead.

But Deportivo were the better side and continued to look the more likely.

Guardado went charging towards goal all on his own after 65 minutes, only to be hacked down by Nekounam, who was rightly shown a straight red card.

Deportivo were unable to capitalise on their numerical advantage, though.

Rodriguez clipped the crossbar with a header late on as the Galicians pressed for a second, while Filipe Luis saw his effort denied by Ricardo in the closing stages.

Osasuna were only able to defend now, however, and Deportivo never really looked in danger of relinquishing their advantage.

The locals had done enough, and held on for all three points - their ninth league win this season.

Osasuna, meanwhile, are now only three points clear of the relegation zone.