Osasuna Stun Unmotivated Atlético Madrid but Briefly Taste European Dream

Osasuna claimed a surprise but deserved victory over a lacklustre Atlético Madrid in Matchday 36 of La Liga, capitalising on their opponents’ apparent lack of urgency late in the season.

With Diego Simeone’s side firmly locked into third place — unable to catch the top two and unlikely to be overtaken — Atlético showed little of their trademark intensity. That opened the door for Osasuna to strike, and they did just that.

The win momentarily lifted Osasuna to 8th place in the live standings, a position that would guarantee a ticket to next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League. But their joy was short-lived as Rayo Vallecano quickly reclaimed the spot later that evening.

The race for European football remains wide open with two matches to go. Osasuna, Rayo Vallecano, and RCD Mallorca are now in a tight battle to secure a place in the third tier of UEFA competitions.

2024-25, Spain - La Liga

Osasuna - Atletico Madrid 2:0 (1:0)
Goals: Catena, 25 (1:0); Budimir, 82 (2:0)

Osasuna: Herrera S.; Juan Cruz (Bretones, 81); Areso; Boyomo; Catena; Torro; Ibáñez P. (Moncayola, 71); Aimar Oroz (Moi Gomez, 88); Peña R. (Kike Barja, 60); Zaragoza Br. (Cameros, 72); Budimir (Raul G., 88)
Bench: Aitor Fernandez; Valencia P.; García U.; Herrando; José Arnáiz; Goni Inigo
Yellow Cards: Ibáñez P. 40

Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Gimenez Jose; Galán J. (Azpilicueta, 46); Le Normand; De Paul; Koke (Angel Correa, 64); Barrios P. (Molina N., 52); Llorente M.; Sørloth (Gallagher C., 67); Álvarez Jul. (Griezmann, 63); Simeone G-o (Lino, 46)
Bench: Musso; Lenglet; Reinildo; Lemar; Riquelme R.; Witsel
Yellow Cards: De Paul 25