Osasuna vs. Sevilla | La Liga | Pre Match
Osasuna vs. Sevilla
As Osasuna prepare to face Sevilla in a crucial La Liga encounter at the Estadio El Sadar, the team’s preparations are buoyed by a near-fully fit squad, with only Raúl García listed as a doubt due to a lingering eye injury that has kept him sidelined in recent weeks. The Pamplona-based side, under the stewardship of manager Vicente Moreno, have enjoyed a solid campaign thus far, blending gritty defensive resolve with moments of attacking flair that have propelled them into the upper echelons of the mid-table. The return of Bayern Munich loanee Bryan Zaragoza, who was an unused substitute in Osasuna’s recent victory over Valladolid, adds further depth to a squad that has relied on its collective spirit to overcome more illustrious opponents. Zaragoza’s availability, even if he is yet to fully integrate into the starting lineup, offers Moreno a dynamic option on the flanks, capable of injecting pace and creativity into Osasuna’s attacking play. The hosts’ consistency this season has been underpinned by standout performances at both ends of the pitch, with striker Ante Budimir and goalkeeper Sergio Herrera emerging as talismanic figures in their respective roles. Meanwhile, Sevilla, led by returning manager Joaquín Caparrós, arrive in Pamplona grappling with a series of injury setbacks and a dip in form that has seen their early-season promise fade. The visitors will be without key players in attack and defense, placing additional pressure on top scorer Dodi Lukebakio to rediscover his scoring touch and halt Sevilla’s slide down the La Liga standings.
Osasuna’s attacking fortunes have been driven by the remarkable form of Ante Budimir, whose predatory instincts in front of goal have elevated him to new heights this season. The Croatian striker, a journeyman who has found a home in Pamplona, has been in scintillating form, notching three goals and providing an assist in his last two matches. This purple patch has seen Budimir surpass the 20-goal mark in a single La Liga campaign for the first time in his career, a milestone that underscores his importance to Osasuna’s ambitions. His physical presence, aerial prowess, and knack for capitalizing on half-chances have made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, while his recent playmaking contributions highlight a growing all-around influence on the pitch. Budimir’s emergence as one of La Liga’s most reliable marksmen has been a cornerstone of Osasuna’s ability to compete against stronger sides, and his partnership with the likes of Rubén García and the potential inclusion of Zaragoza promises to stretch Sevilla’s backline. At the other end of the pitch, goalkeeper Sergio Herrera has been equally vital, his heroics between the posts providing a foundation for Osasuna’s resilience. Despite recording only five clean sheets this season, Herrera’s 109 saves—the second-most of any La Liga goalkeeper—reflect his ability to thwart opposition attacks with a combination of sharp reflexes and commanding presence. His performances have often been the difference between defeat and a hard-earned point, and against a Sevilla side desperate for goals, Herrera’s form will be crucial in maintaining Osasuna’s defensive solidity.
Sevilla, by contrast, approach the match with a squad depleted by injuries and suspensions, testing the resolve of a team that has struggled to maintain consistency in recent weeks. The return of Kike Salas from suspension offers a boost to their defensive options, providing Caparrós with a reliable center-back capable of organizing the backline against Osasuna’s physical forward line. However, the loss of Nemanja Gudelj, ruled out after picking up his fifth booking of the season in Sevilla’s previous match, is a significant blow. Gudelj’s absence in the defensive midfield role leaves Sevilla vulnerable to Osasuna’s energetic pressing and quick transitions, forcing Caparrós to reshuffle his midfield to compensate. The injury list further compounds Sevilla’s woes, with attackers Akor Adams and Rubén Vargas sidelined by muscle and hamstring issues, respectively, and defender Tanguy Nianzou also unavailable due to a muscle injury. These absences rob Sevilla of key personnel in critical areas, placing additional pressure on the remaining players to deliver against a well-drilled Osasuna side. Caparrós, who has returned to the club with a mandate to restore their competitive edge, faces a daunting task in galvanizing a squad that has lost its early-season momentum. The veteran manager’s experience and tactical nous will be put to the test as he seeks to outmaneuver Moreno and secure a result that could reignite Sevilla’s campaign.
The spotlight for Sevilla falls squarely on Dodi Lukebakio, the Belgian forward whose early-season scoring exploits had marked him as one of La Liga’s breakout stars. However, Lukebakio’s form has deserted him in recent weeks, with the 27-year-old enduring a six-game goal drought that has coincided with Sevilla’s broader struggles. His inability to find the back of the net has been a source of frustration for Caparrós, who has relied on Lukebakio’s pace and directness to unlock defenses. Against Osasuna, Lukebakio will face a stern test from a defense marshaled by the likes of David García and supported by Herrera’s shot-stopping prowess. Caparrós will hope that a change of scenery and the high stakes of the match can inspire Lukebakio to rediscover the clinical edge that saw him torment opposition defenses earlier in the campaign. The Belgian’s duel with Osasuna’s backline promises to be one of the defining battles of the match, as Sevilla’s hopes of securing a positive result rest heavily on their talisman’s shoulders. For Caparrós, the challenge is not only to get Lukebakio firing but also to instill a sense of belief in a squad that has been rocked by injuries and inconsistent performances.
The tactical chess match between Moreno and Caparrós adds an additional layer of intrigue to the encounter, as both managers bring distinct philosophies to the table. Osasuna, under Moreno, have embraced a high-intensity, direct style that prioritizes quick transitions and physicality, with Budimir serving as the focal point of their attacking play. The home side’s ability to press high and disrupt Sevilla’s rhythm will be key, particularly given the visitors’ depleted midfield. Moreno’s decision to potentially reintegrate Zaragoza could add an element of unpredictability, as the young winger’s flair and willingness to take on defenders could exploit any gaps left by Sevilla’s makeshift lineup. Caparrós, meanwhile, is likely to prioritize defensive stability, with Salas’s return providing a platform to build from the back. Sevilla’s attacking approach will hinge on their ability to create space for Lukebakio and leverage the creativity of players like Jesús Navas, whose experience could prove invaluable in navigating Osasuna’s aggressive pressing. The battle in midfield, where Osasuna’s energy will clash with Sevilla’s need to control possession, will likely dictate the flow of the game, with both managers acutely aware that a single moment of brilliance or a defensive lapse could prove decisive.
In the broader context of the 2024/25 La Liga season, the clash between Osasuna and Sevilla represents a microcosm of the league’s competitive intensity, where mid-table battles carry as much significance as the race for the title. For Osasuna, a victory would solidify their credentials as a team capable of punching above their weight, potentially propelling them closer to the European places. The performances of Budimir and Herrera have given the Pamplona faithful reason to dream, and a win against Sevilla would further enhance the sense of optimism surrounding the club. For Sevilla, the match is a chance to arrest their slide and restore confidence in a squad that has the talent to compete with the best on their day. Caparrós’s return has injected a sense of purpose, but the absence of key players and Lukebakio’s struggles underscore the challenges he faces in turning the tide. As the Estadio El Sadar prepares to roar its team on, the stage is set for a contest that will test the mettle of both sides, with pride, points, and momentum hanging in the balance. The outcome of this encounter will resonate beyond the final whistle, shaping the trajectories of two clubs navigating the unforgiving landscape of Spanish football.
