Atletico Madrid vs. Osasuna | La Liga | Pre Match

Atletico Madrid Look to Extend Winning Streak Against Osasuna

Atletico Madrid will aim to continue their exceptional form and secure their 14th consecutive victory across all competitions when they welcome Osasuna to the Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday afternoon. Diego Simeone's side, sitting second in La Liga, are just two points behind Real Madrid with a game in hand, making this a crucial opportunity to reclaim the top spot. Meanwhile, Osasuna, currently in 10th place, will be looking to defy the odds and dent Atletico’s title ambitions.

Atletico’s winning streak has been nothing short of remarkable, with the team demonstrating dominance both domestically and in cup competitions. Their latest triumph came in the Copa del Rey, where they edged past Marbella with a narrow 1-0 victory, courtesy of an Antoine Griezmann strike. This victory set up a round-of-16 clash against Elche next week, but for now, Simeone's focus will firmly remain on La Liga, where his team has won seven consecutive matches.

Currently, Atletico hold a three-point advantage over third-placed Barcelona and trail Real Madrid by two points, all while possessing a game in hand. This positioning puts the capital club in a commanding spot as they look to disrupt the traditional duopoly of Spanish football. Finishing above both Real Madrid and Barcelona in a title race would be a monumental achievement for Simeone, who has built a side capable of competing with the best, thanks in no small part to summer signings Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth.

Atletico's Home Fortress

Atletico’s success this season has been underpinned by their formidable home form. The Wanda Metropolitano has been a fortress, with the team collecting 23 points from nine matches, remaining unbeaten on home turf. Their defensive solidity and attacking firepower make them a daunting prospect for any visiting side. Sunday’s visitors, Osasuna, face a significant challenge, particularly given their struggles on the road. Vicente Moreno’s men have managed just one away win in La Liga this season, underscoring the difficulty of their task.

Osasuna are also in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey, having overcome Tenerife 2-1 earlier this month. They will face Athletic Bilbao in the next round, but their recent league form has been underwhelming. Without a victory in La Liga since early November, Osasuna have drawn four and lost two of their last six matches. Their most recent league outing was a 2-1 defeat to Athletic Bilbao before the winter break.

Despite their recent struggles, Osasuna remain competitive in the mid-table battle. With 25 points from 18 matches, they are level on points with seventh-placed Real Sociedad, highlighting the tight nature of the standings. While finishing in the top half would be a commendable achievement, consistency will be key for Los Rojillos in the second half of the campaign.

Recent History and Squad Dynamics

While Atletico boast a dominant record in this fixture—winning 11 of the last 12 meetings in La Liga—Osasuna will take confidence from their stunning 4-1 victory in the corresponding fixture last season. That result serves as a reminder of their potential to cause an upset, even against a side as formidable as Simeone’s Atletico. However, history heavily favors the capital giants, who have the second-best home record in the league this term.

Diego Simeone has shown a tendency to field strong lineups, even in cup competitions, and this approach was evident in the Copa del Rey clash against Marbella. Griezmann and Alvarez led the attack, with the former scoring the decisive goal. For Sunday’s game, Simeone is expected to rotate his squad, bringing key players like Marcos Llorente and Jose Gimenez back into the fold. Gimenez, who has been dealing with a muscular problem, is likely to be fit enough to partner Stefan Savic in central defense.

The team that started in Atletico’s impressive 2-1 victory over Barcelona in their last league outing could remain largely unchanged. Conor Gallagher, who has adapted well to Simeone’s system, is expected to feature in a wide midfield role once again, providing energy and creativity. Alvarez and Griezmann will likely spearhead the attack, with both players in excellent form.

Osasuna, on the other hand, face several selection challenges. Kike Barja remains doubtful due to a thigh issue, but Alejandro Catena will return to the squad after serving a suspension in their last league game. Vicente Moreno is expected to make changes, with key players like Juan Cruz, Sergio Herrera, and Moi Gomez returning to the starting XI after being rested against Tenerife.

In attack, Osasuna will rely heavily on Ante Budimir, who has been in fine form this season. The experienced forward has already netted 10 league goals, making him a key threat to Atletico’s defense. Budimir is likely to be supported by Ruben Garcia in the final third, as the visitors look to exploit any lapses in Atletico’s usually resolute backline.

Tactical Outlook and Key Battles

The midfield battle will be crucial in determining the outcome of this clash. Atletico’s engine room, led by Llorente and Rodrigo de Paul, has been instrumental in controlling games and providing a solid platform for the team’s attacking players. Osasuna’s midfield, which has struggled for consistency, will need to step up to compete against Atletico’s physicality and technical quality.

Atletico’s wide players, including Gallagher and Yannick Carrasco, will look to stretch Osasuna’s defense and create space for Griezmann and Alvarez to exploit. The hosts’ ability to transition quickly from defense to attack has been a hallmark of their success under Simeone, and this approach could prove decisive against an Osasuna side that has been vulnerable in defensive transitions.

For Osasuna, Budimir’s aerial presence and ability to hold up play will be key. The visitors may look to play on the counterattack, utilizing the pace of Garcia and Gomez to exploit spaces left by Atletico’s full-backs. Set pieces could also provide an avenue for Osasuna, given Budimir’s proficiency in the air.

What’s at Stake?

For Atletico, this match represents another step in their quest for the La Liga title. With Real Madrid and Barcelona breathing down their necks, any slip-up could prove costly in the race for the summit. A victory on Sunday would not only extend their winning streak to 14 games but also send a strong message to their rivals about their title credentials.

For Osasuna, the stakes are different but no less significant. A positive result against Atletico would boost morale and provide momentum as they look to climb the table and secure a top-half finish. Additionally, breaking their winless run in La Liga would serve as a timely confidence boost ahead of their Copa del Rey clash with Athletic Bilbao.

Prediction and Conclusion

Given Atletico’s current form and their dominance at the Wanda Metropolitano, it is difficult to see anything other than a home win. Simeone’s side have been relentless in recent weeks, combining defensive solidity with attacking efficiency. However, Osasuna’s resilience and the memory of last season’s stunning victory over Atletico mean they cannot be entirely discounted.

Ultimately, the hosts’ quality and depth should prove too much for the visitors. A controlled and professional performance from Atletico is expected, with Griezmann and Alvarez likely to play pivotal roles in securing another three points. Osasuna may put up a fight, but their defensive frailties and inconsistent form are likely to be exposed by a ruthless Atletico side.

As the teams take to the pitch on Sunday, Atletico will look to maintain their momentum and keep their title charge on track, while Osasuna will aim to spring a surprise and disrupt the status quo in Spanish football.