Thiago Almada scored in the second half but Atletico Madrid had to hold on against Osasuna for win
Almada put Atletico Madrid ahead with the goal he scored in the 69th minute and ensured that the competitive match ended in a deadlock. The goal came after constant pressure from Diego Simeone, who dominated the ball throughout the match.
The Argentine midfielder’s finish put a limit on Atletico’s patience as they searched for a breakthrough against an organized Osasuna defence. The strike was a pivotal moment in a match where clear opportunities were limited for both sides.
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Atletico Madrid dominates the ball but struggles to convert opportunities
Atletico Madrid had 65.1% possession compared to Osasuna’s 34.4%, reflecting the territorial advantage they had throughout the match. The home team demonstrated their attacking intentions despite the single-goal difference by shooting 17 shots, 9 of which found the target.
Atletico Madrid took the early lead, registering five shots on target compared to a single shot from Osasuna in the first half. The statistics underlined Atletico’s control, but turning this dominance into goals was challenging against Osasuna’s compact structure.
In the opening period of the match, two corner kicks were taken for Atletico and one for the guest team. Yellow cards were awarded to one player from each side to ensure the contest remained competitive but disciplined.
Jan Oblak makes critical savings to maintain the clean sheet
Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera made eight saves during the 90 minutes, repeatedly thwarting Atletico attackers. The performance of the experienced goalkeeper kept Osasuna in the fight despite their limited possession of the ball. Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak kept nine clean sheets in 13 games against Osasuna, continuing his impressive record against the Pamplona-based club. Despite facing minimal pressure from the visitors’ attack, Oblak made a crucial save to keep the shutout.
Tactical adjustments and team selection affect match dynamics
Atletico Madrid missed Clément Lenglet through suspension, while Robin Le Normand was injured on international duty. Defensive deficiencies forced Diego Simeone to adjust his backline configuration.
Atletico used a 3-4-1 formation with Jan Oblak in goal and Nicolás González, David Hancko, José María Giménez and Robin Le Normand in defense. While Marcos Llorente, Álex Baena, Koke and Pablo Barrios formed the midfield, Julián Álvarez and Antoine Griezmann led the attack before the tactical changes.
Osasuna’s absence of Aimar Oroz in the match limited their creative options in midfield. The absence affected their ability to switch effectively from defense to attack.
While Atletico’s home form continues, Osasuna competes away
Atletico Madrid have won eight of their last nine home matches and scored five goals in their last two home matches. Riyadh Air Metropolitano’s castle-like atmosphere was crucial to the season.
Atletico Madrid had an impressive performance at home in La Liga, losing points only once in a draw with Celta. This win maintained their strong home record and moved them closer to the top four places.
Osasuna, who could not get even a single point in 4 away matches this season, continues its struggle away. The defeat extended their away winning streak and underlined the contrast between home and away performances.
Osasuna have failed to win their last six away matches against Madrid clubs in La Liga, indicating that they are having difficulty competing in the capital. Despite their competitive showing in the first half, this pattern continued.
Match statistics reveal Atletico’s superiority in key areas
Atletico Madrid recorded 17 shot attempts compared to Osasuna’s seven, reflecting their superiority in attack. The home side also showed their territorial control by winning four corner kicks to Osasuna’s only corner.
Both teams received one yellow card, indicating a relatively clean game with no major disciplinary issues. Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea maintained control throughout the match.
None of the last 19 matches between these teams have ended in a draw, indicating that this fixture has decisive results. The pattern continued as Atletico secured all three points.
La Liga rankings and implications for season goals
Atletico Madrid is in fifth place in La Liga with 13 points, while Osasuna is in 12th place with 10 points. This victory moved Atletico within striking distance of the top four, which is critical for Champions League qualification.
Colchoneros, who were defeated by Espanyol in the opening round of La Liga, remained undefeated in the national championship. The unbeaten streak now extends to multiple matches as it gains momentum.
Atletico’s 13 points from eight league games represents their worst achievement at this stage of a La Liga season since the 2011/12 season and shows there is room for improvement despite recent positive results. The team continues to work to achieve consistency under the management of Diego Simeone.
