Yet after going winless in five league away matches, Atletico are on the verge of going without a win in six for the first time since April 2012, a reality that highlights just how far below last season’s level they’ve dropped.
Osasuna
Osasuna’s fourth clean sheet in five La Liga matches helped them beat Rayo Vallecano 3-0 last weekend and land a telling blow on another side aiming for European qualification. With an even league record this term, this is their best 24-game La Liga points haul since 2011/12, when they finished seventh. That wasn’t enough to secure continental football, and if they’re to qualify for Europe for the first time since 2005/06, improving their home form could be key as Osasuna have won just one of their last seven La Liga matches here. Scoring first in three of their previous five home league games shows getting ahead isn’t so much the problem, but rather seeing games out.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid’s crumbling title defence took another hit in midweek when they lost 1-0 to Levante but in some rare positive news, they could have fit-again forward Antoine Griezmann available here. With his side trailing leaders Real Madrid by 15 points, he’ll try to help them improve on a run of two wins in seven competitive matches. With the club reportedly sounding out replacements for long-serving manager Diego Simeone, he could use a victory here to hit back at his critics. Yet after going winless in five league away matches, Atletico are on the verge of going without a win in six for the first time since April 2012, a reality that highlights just how far below last season’s level they’ve dropped.
Kike Garcia has netted after the 85th minute in two of Osasuna’s last three La Liga matches, with all three of his second-half league goals this term contributing to victories. More of a threat early on, Angel Correa has opened the scoring in three of his last four goalscoring games for Atletico. The second half has produced the most goals in each of the last six H2Hs.