A Victory to Keep the Dream Alive, Osasuna defeats Atlético de Madrid 2-0

Club Atlético Osasuna (11-15-10, 48 points) defeated Atlético de Madrid (20-10-6, 70 points) 2-0 at El Sadar on Thursday afternoon. Goals by defender Alejandro Catena and forward Ante Budimir, with an excellent overall team performance, led the Rojillos to the victory.

The match began with high intensity, as both teams looked to impose their style from the outset. Osasuna’s high pressing set the tone early and created scoring chances, including one by midfielder Aimar, who came close after winning the ball in the opponent’s half, only to be denied by goalkeeper Jan Oblak. Los Rojillos stayed committed to their attacking approach and found a breakthrough on a set piece in the 26th minute. A well-placed corner found Catena, who powered a header into the back of the net to give the hosts the lead. Atlético looked to respond but was stopped by a crucial goal-line save from goalkeeper Sergio Herrera in the 35th minute.

In the second half, both sides opted for longer spells of possession and a slower pace. The home side backline remained disciplined and solid in the face of Atlético’s attacks. Forward Bryan Zaragoza sparked several offensive moves, making runs down the flank and sending in crosses in search of a finisher. The decisive moment came in the 81st minute when defender Enzo Boyomo won the ball in midfield and launched a quick transition. Midfielder Kike Barja delivered a pinpoint cross that Budimir met with a header to seal the 2-0 victory.

Los Rojillos will look to carry this momentum into their next match, also at El Sadar, against RCD Espanyol on Sunday, May 18, at 7 p.m. in Matchday 37 of LALIGA EASPORTS.

Box Score

Osasuna 2-0 Atlético de Madrid

Goals:
OSA: Alejandro Catena (1) (Bryan Zaragoza 6) 25’
OSA: Ante Budimir (20) (Kike Barja 1) 82’

Discipline:
ATM: Rodrigo De Paul (Yellow card) 25’
OSA: Pablo Ibáñez (Yellow card) 40’

Osasuna: Sergio Herrera (C); Juan Cruz (Abel Bretones, m. 81), Lucas Torró, Pablo Ibáñez (Jon Moncayola, m. 71), Aimar (Moi Gómez, m. 88), Jesús Areso, Rubén Peña (Kike Barja, m. 60), Ante Budimir (Raúl García, m. 88), Bryan Zaragoza (Iker Muñoz, m. 71), Enzo Boyomo, Alejandro Catena
Subs not used: Aitor Fernández, Pablo Valencia; Unai García, Jorge Herrando, Jose Arnaiz, Iñigo Arguibide

Atlético de Madrid: Jan Oblak; José María Giménez, Rodrigo De Paul, Koke (C) (Ángel Correa, m. 63), Pablo Barrios (Nahuel Molina, m. 52), Alexander Sørloth (Conor Gallagher, m. 67), Marcos Llorente, Julián Álvarez (Antoine Grizmann, m. 63), Javi Galán (César Azpilicueta, m. 46), Guliano Simeone (Samuel Lino, m. 46), Robin Le Normand
Subs not used: Juan Musso; Thomas Lemar, Clément Lenglet, Rodrigo Riquelme, Axel Witsel, Reinildo

Stats Summary:
OSA/ATM
Shots: 9/9
Shots on goal: 3/5
Saves: 5/1
Corners: 3/5
Fouls: 12/11
Offsides: 1/4
Possession: 34.9%/65.1%

Referee: Mario Melero López
Assistant Referees: José Luis Martínez Serrato & José Francisco García Lozano
Fourth Official: Álvaro López Parra
VAR: Alejandro José Hernández Hernández
AVAR: Diego Santaúrsula Aguado