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Preview: Atletico Madrid vs Osasuna – stats, team news, line-ups

Atletico Madrid will be out to extend their remarkable winning streak to 14 games across all competitions when they host Osasuna at Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday afternoon.

Diego Simeone’s side will resume their La Liga duties, hoping for a win that takes them above their capital rivals, Real Madrid, at the summit.

Atletico have been in imperious form and will be keen to keep it going as they aim to disrupt the established order this season.

Los Colchoneros are currently second in the La Liga table, but only two points separate them from Madrid, so a win at home against Osasuna will move them back to the summit.

Osasuna are tenth in the Spanish top flight and will hope to build on their 2-1 win over second-tier Tenerife in the Copa del Rey round of 32.

Given their recent form, Atletico Madrid tickets have become a hot commodity, but fans will be able to cop theirs on Seatsnet.com at competitive prices.

Match Preview

Atletico kicked off 2025 with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Marbella to book a spot in the Copa del Rey last-16, setting up a date with Elche with a quarter-final place up for grabs.

Simone’s side have been on a tear. The narrow win against Marbella extended their winning streak to 13 games across all competitions.

Their impeccable run of form includes seven consecutive wins in La Liga, which has established Atletico as serious contenders for the title.

Currently sitting second in the table, Atletico are two points behind Madrid and three ahead of Barcelona, with a game in hand on both title rivals.

Atletico’s summer spending spree has been key to their remarkable title challenge this season.

They bolstered an already formidable attack with the addition of Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth and now have the firepower to take on Madrid and Barca in what is poised to be a gripping title race.

Their home record has also played a huge role in their title challenge.

Simeone’s side have the second-best home record in La Liga this season, picking up 23 points from nine games. Only Madrid can claim a better record after taking 24 points from nine games.

Atletico are also unbeaten at their own headquarters (W7, D2) and will fancy their chances of maintaining that record when they host an Osasuna side that have just one league win on the road this season.

Osasuna advanced to the last 16 of the Copa del Rey after edging Tenerife 2-1 earlier this month.

Their next test in the competition comes next week against Athletic Bilbao, a match-up that promises to be a significant challenge.

Despite their cup success, Vicente Moreno’s side have struggled in La Liga, failing to secure a victory since early November.

In their last six league matches, Los Rojillos have drawn four and lost two, including a 2-1 defeat to Athletic Bilbao before the winter break.

Osasuna’s league record stands at six wins, seven draws, and five losses from 18 games, giving them 25 points and placing them 10th in the table. This tally is level with seventh-placed Real Sociedad, and an unlikely win against Atletico would be a monumental boost for the morale in the dressing room.

Interestingly, Osasuna shocked Atletico in the same fixture last season, claiming an emphatic 4-1 victory.

However, history largely favours the capital giants, who have won 11 of their last 12 La Liga meetings against Sunday’s opponents.

Osasuna finished 11th in Spain’s top flight last term, so there is room for improvement in 2024-25, and there is certainly enough quality in the squad to claim a top-half position come the end of the campaign.

Players to Watch

Giuliano Simeone – Atletico Madrid

Giuliano Simeone has emerged as a vital cog within his father’s Atletico set-up, showcasing remarkable determination, excellent tenacity and passion on the pitch.

He’s a true embodiment of the ‘Choloism’ mentality – a philosophy centred on grit, discipline, and relentless effort – and has become an integral part of the team’s dynamic style.

The young midfielder’s recent performances have been nothing short of outstanding. His relentless work rate and ability to exploit defensive gaps have significantly bolstered Atletico’s tactical effectiveness.

With impressive pace and agility, Simeone effortlessly weaves past defenders, creating dangerous chances for his teammates.

His sharp understanding of the game and seamless combinations in the final third make him a constant threat to opponents.

Simeone has scored one goal and provided two assists while creating four big chances in 14 La Liga games, although he has only started eight times.

While the numbers may not be overwhelming, his influence extends far beyond the stat sheet as he drives Atletico’s attacking movements with precision and energy.

Team News

Atletico advanced to the Copa del Rey round of 16 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Marbella, thanks to a decisive goal from Antoine Griezmann. Head coach Diego Simeone fielded a strong line-up, pairing Griezmann with Alvarez in attack.

Marbella certainly gave a good account of themselves, but Griezmann’s clinical finish made the difference.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s La Liga clash, Simeone is set to make changes.

Marcos Llorente is poised to return to the starting XI, while Jose Gimenez is expected to recover from a minor muscular issue to anchor the defence.

The Red and Whites could mirror the line-up that earned a 2-1 victory over Barca in their last league outing, with Conor Gallagher likely continuing in a wide midfield role.

Osasuna have injury concerns of their own. Winger Kike Barja remains doubtful due to a lingering thigh problem, but Alejandro Catena returns from suspension.

Manager Jagoba Arrasate is expected to reintegrate Juan Cruz, Sergio Herrera, and Moi Gomez, who were rested against Tenerife.

Ruben Garcia has been a consistent performer in the final third and should also retain his spot.

Leading the line for Osasuna will be Ante Budimir, who has netted ten goals this season. The experienced striker will aim to test Atletico’s defence as the two sides battle for crucial points on Sunday afternoon.

Atletico Madrid potential starting line-up:

(4-4-2): Jan Oblak; Marcos Llorente, Jose Maria Gimenez, Clement Lenglet, Javi Galan; Giuliano Simeone, Rodrigo De Paul, Pablo Barrios, Conor Gallagher; Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez.

Osasuna potential starting line-up:

(4-3-3): Sergio Herrera; Jesus Areso, Alejandro Catena, Flavien Boyomo, Juan Cruz; Jon Moncayola, Lucas Torro, Aimar Oroz; Ruben Garcia, Ante Budimir, Moi Gomez.

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