Ante Budimir scores his 100th La Liga goal with a stunning volley against Rayo Vallecano

Ante Budimir has joined the select group of players with a century of goals in La Liga. The 35-year-old Croatian striker reached the milestone on Monday at El Sadar with a spectacular volley against Rayo Vallecano, a goal that adds to his superb start to the season at Osasuna, where he has scored five of the team's six league goals.

• Budimir scored his 100th La Liga goal with an acrobatic volley from a difficult position.
• The Croatian forward has netted five of Osasuna's six goals in the current campaign.
• El Sadar erupted after an unstoppable strike that left the Rayo goalkeeper with no chance.
• He scored 13 top-flight goals for Mallorca and has now added 87 with Osasuna.
• After the match he admitted Spain was not his preferred league, but he found his place in Pamplona.

Budimir's volley that set El Sadar alight

The moment everyone remembers came in the sixteenth minute. Rayo Vallecano tried to push forward, but Osasuna built a move that ended with the ball in the box. Kike Barja advanced with purpose and sent a cross into the area. The first attempt from Aimar Oroz was touched by a defender, Rubén García kept the play alive and the ball fell to Budimir.

The Croatian, with his back to goal and the ball at an awkward height, controlled it with his chest and turned in a split second. His volley, struck with immense power, flew past the goalkeeper before he could react. The stands exploded. The Swan of Zenica had just given El Sadar one of those moments that live long in the memory.

100 La Liga goals and a place in Osasuna history

The goal was not just another one in Budimir's career. It was his 100th in Spain's top flight, a landmark achieved after scoring 13 for Mallorca and 87 wearing the Osasuna shirt. At 35, the striker remains hugely influential and continues to build his legacy at the club.

As soon as the ball hit the net, Budimir ran towards the South Stand to embrace the supporters. The image, with the crowd going wild, captures the deep connection the forward has built with Pamplona over the years.

Five of Osasuna's six league goals this season

The early-season numbers confirm that Budimir remains Osasuna's attacking reference. Of the six goals the team has scored in the league, five carry his name. It is a clear dependence on a striker who, far from feeling the effects of age, continues to appear when his team needs him most.

His finishing inside the box and his reading of space keep him among the most reliable forwards in the competition. The fans celebrate it and the coaching staff know they have a guaranteed source of goals.

A player who has made Pamplona his home

Budimir spoke after the match about what this moment means to him and the bond he has created with the city and the club. A connection he did not expect and which, he admitted, has changed his outlook.

Many things go through my head because, when I played football in Croatia, everybody wanted to be in the five big European leagues, and in my list Spain was last, but in the end Osasuna and Pamplona are where I feel best. God's paths are different to mine.

Budimir, still hungry at 35

Far from settling, the Croatian said he feels strong enough to keep adding to his records. The celebrations for his century of goals have not hidden his desire to continue scoring. The season has just started and he is already looking ahead to the next challenges.

There are many things behind this goal. I am happy and motivated to go for more.

Osasuna head into the break with their striker in superb form and with the certainty that, as long as Budimir keeps his bond with the El Sadar crowd, goals will never be far away.