Osasuna vs Atletico Madrid

Estadio El Sadar is the venue as European hopefuls Osasuna and perennial top-four tenants Atletico Madrid go head-to-head in a competitive-looking La Liga encounter.

Brimming with confidence following a 2-1 extra-time win over Sevilla in midweek Copa del Rey action, Osasuna will be looking to extend their six-match unbeaten run in all competitions (W1, D5 – 90mins only). Although they’ve recently developed a habit of sharing the spoils, it’s worth noting that none of Osasuna’s last ten La Liga home games have ended as a draw (W6, L4). But if they’re to avoid another home defeat, ‘Los Rojillos’ are better off flying out of the traps, given that they’ve lost both home league matches this season after conceding the opening goal. But having netted just five first-half goals in nine La Liga home fixtures this season, that’s probably easier said than done.

Meanwhile, despite taking a 1-0 halftime lead against city rivals Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid suffered a 3-1 extra-time defeat in midweek Copa del Rey action and will be looking to make amends at Osasuna. ‘Los Rojiblancos’ have notably won their last eight La Liga encounters against this opposition, keeping six clean sheets in the process, so enthusiasm should not be in short supply. But it’s not all rosy for Diego Simeone’s side, considering they’ve won none of their last three away league matches (D1, L2) after registering seven victories on their previous eight top-flight travels (D1). Atletico’s attacking set-up usually sparks into life after halftime, as they’ve netted a league-high seven goals inside the opening 15 minutes of the second half in La Liga this season.