Osasuna vs Atl. Madrid prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2023-01-28 15:15.
Osasuna might have to put the champagne on ice after reaching their first Copa del Rey (CdR) semi-final in 18 years courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Sevilla, as they prepare to welcome AtlĂ©tico Madrid for crucial league action. The hosts sit outside of the European places only by virtue of goal difference approaching the round, with star forward Chimy Ăvila waxing lyrical about their support after that triumph: âitâs part of Osasuna's DNA to play with a 12th man at homeââ.
That passionate fanbase will be willing them on to avoid a ninth consecutive defeat against Atlético. After failing to score in six of those eight consecutive H2H losses, it remains to be seen if Osasuna can even trouble their visitors after also failing to net more than one goal in their last five La Liga (LL) outings (W1, D2, L2).
Ominously, Diego Simeoneâs AtlĂ©tico have managed at least three goals in each of their four consecutive wins here – their longest winning away run against Osasuna – whilst their 3-0 home win over Valladolid in their last LL outing was equally emphatic. AtlĂ©tiâs recent travelling form has not impressed though, as theyâre now three LL away games without a win (D1, L2). As a result, they were clinging to fourth place only by goal difference ahead of the round.
Having also scored fewer league goals (27) so far this term than at the same stage of the two previous seasons, the arrival of forward Memphis Depay from Barcelona might boost Simeoneâs side. AtlĂ©tico may already have all the motivation they need for this fixture after suffering a sour 3-1 loss to arch-rivals Real Madrid in Thursdayâs CdR clash.
Key battle: Osasuna will hope Ăvila can continue his good form, with the forward netting in consecutive outings – both match openers. However, he has never managed a goal against AtlĂ©tico goalkeeper Jan Oblak (L6), with Oblak looking for successive league shutouts for the first time this season.
Hot streak: Osasuna havenât drawn any of their past ten LL home games – the longest current run of any side in the competition ahead of the round.