Osasuna 2-0 Atlético Madrid: Catena and Budimir Drive European Hopes

Pamplona, May 15, 2025 — Osasuna recorded a comprehensive 2-0 win over Atlético Madrid at El Sadar Stadium, strengthening their hopes of qualification for European competition next term. Strikes from Alejandro Catena and Ante Budimir gave them the win, taking Osasuna into ninth position in La Liga, on the same number of points as eighth-position Rayo Vallecano, the UEFA Conference League qualifying position.

Match Summary
The hosts scored the equalizer in the 25th minute when Alejandro Catena headed a well-placed corner kick from Bryan Zaragoza, taking advantage of Atlético’s defensive weakness. Atlético could not get back into the game, though, with Osasuna holding their advantage into the break.

During the second half of play, Atlético Madrid pushed for a breakthrough, but Osasuna’s defensive line, spearheaded by goalkeeper Sergio Herrera, remained solid. The game was sealed in the 82nd minute when Ante Budimir netted his 20th goal for the season with a pinpoint header from Kike Barja’s cross, tying the club single-season scoring record.

Atlético Madrid’s Struggles
Atlético Madrid, who had already qualified for the Champions League, looked dull throughout the game. The manager, Diego Simeone, admitted that the team had a poor record away from home, saying, “I am failing to motivate the players to replicate their home form during away fixtures.” This loss is their third straight away game without managing to score.
This win puts Osasuna in the running for European competition, a first since making it to the Europa League semi-finals in 2007. With two games left against Espanyol and Deportivo Alavés, Osasuna is targeting qualification for the UEFA Conference League.