Osasuna Stun Atletico 2-0 with Catena, Budimir Goals in LaLiga Upset.
Goals from Alejandro Catena and Ante Budimir, coupled with a resolute defensive display, handed the Rojillos a deserved victory over a lackluster Atleti side. The result, celebrated wildly by the Pamplona faithful, saw Osasuna climb into contention for a top-eight finish, while Atletico’s hopes of a strong season finale took a hit despite their secured Champions League spot.
The match, played under the floodlights on Thursday, May 15, 2025, showcased Osasuna’s grit and tactical discipline under Vicente Moreno. Catena’s first-half header from a Bryan Zaragoza corner stunned Atleti, and Budimir’s clinical strike late in the second half sealed the deal. Sergio Herrera’s heroics in goal, including a crucial save, ensured a clean sheet against a side that had dominated them in 12 of their last 13 encounters. Here’s a detailed recap of the highlights, key moments, and what this result means for both teams’ LaLiga campaigns.
Pre-Match Context5:00 PM (CET): The Estadio El Sadar is a sea of red as Osasuna prepare to host Atletico Madrid in a pivotal LaLiga encounter. Osasuna, sitting eighth and level on points with Rayo Vallecano, are chasing a historic return to European football—either the UEFA Europa League or Conference League. Atletico, comfortably fourth and guaranteed Champions League football, aim to maintain momentum after a 4-0 thrashing of Real Sociedad, led by Alexander Sorloth’s four-goal haul.Team news sets the stage for a tactical battle. Osasuna field a balanced XI: Sergio Herrera captains in goal, with a backline of Jesus Areso, Enzo Boyomo, Catena, and Juan Cruz. Pablo Ibanez and Lucas Torro anchor midfield, while Ruben Pena, Aimar Oroz, and Bryan Zaragoza support striker Ante Budimir. Atleti, managed by Diego Simeone, opt for a strong lineup: Jan Oblak in goal, Marcos Llorente, Jose Gimenez, Robin Le Normand, and Javi Galan in defense, and a midfield of Pablo Barrios, Koke, and Rodrigo De Paul. Giovanni Simeone, Julian Alvarez, and Sorloth lead the attack.
5:30 PM: The warm-ups conclude, and the atmosphere is electric. Osasuna fans, waving red scarves, chant “Rojillos!” while Atleti’s traveling supporters respond with “Aúpa Atleti!” Referee Carlos del Cerro Grande prepares to officiate a match with high stakes for the hosts. Kick-off is moments away.
First Half: Osasuna Strike First1’ – Kick-Off! Osasuna, in their red home kit, get the game underway, attacking from left to right. Atletico, in their blue-and-red stripes, settle into their trademark compact shape, looking to hit on the counter.6’: Atleti start brightly, earning an early corner after Sorloth’s header is deflected wide. De Paul’s delivery is cleared by Catena, but the visitors’ intent is clear. Simeone’s side press high, forcing Herrera into a rushed clearance.8’: Osasuna respond with their first chance. Oroz, drifting into the box, latches onto a Zaragoza cross and fires a low shot toward Oblak’s near post. The Slovenian goalkeeper reacts sharply, parrying the effort. The home crowd roars, sensing an opportunity.
19’: Atleti come close, but Herrera stands tall. Alvarez slips a through ball to Simeone, who breaks free and shoots from a tight angle. Herrera’s sprawling save keeps the score level, and Osasuna’s defense scrambles to clear. The game is end-to-end, with both sides probing.25’ – GOAL! Osasuna 1-0 Atletico Madrid (Alejandro Catena): Osasuna stun Atleti! Zaragoza’s perfectly whipped corner finds Catena unmarked at the near post. The defender powers a header past Oblak, who is left rooted. El Sadar erupts, and Osasuna lead against the run of play. Atleti’s defenders protest, but the goal stands.40’: The first half has been a tactical chess match. Atleti control 58% of possession and have taken five shots, but Osasuna’s compact shape and quick transitions keep them at bay. Budimir nearly doubles the lead, but his header from a Pena cross sails wide. Atleti’s frustration is palpable, with Simeone gesticulating on the touchline.45’: Three minutes of stoppage time are signaled. Atleti push for an equalizer, but De Paul’s long-range effort is comfortably saved by Herrera. The halftime whistle blows, and Osasuna head to the break with a precious 1-0 lead.
Half-Time: Osasuna 1-0 Atletico MadridHalf-Time AnalysisOsasuna’s first-half performance was a masterclass in resilience and opportunism. Zaragoza’s set-piece delivery and Catena’s clinical header capitalized on Atleti’s defensive lapse, while Herrera’s save against Simeone preserved the lead. The Rojillos’ high press and disciplined shape frustrated Atleti, who dominated possession but lacked cutting edge.Atletico, despite their early promise, struggled to penetrate Osasuna’s low block. Sorloth and Alvarez were isolated, and De Paul’s creativity was stifled by Torro’s relentless marking. Simeone will likely tweak his approach, possibly introducing fresh legs to unlock Osasuna’s defense. With European hopes on the line for the hosts, the second half promises intensity.
Second Half: Budimir Seals the Upset
46’: Atleti kick off the second half, with Simeone making no immediate changes. Osasuna maintain their aggressive press, targeting Atleti’s midfield.
52’: Atleti suffer a blow as Pablo Barrios limps off after a collision with Ibanez. Nahuel Molina replaces him, shifting Llorente into midfield. Barrios’ injury, which saw him spend minutes on the ground, adds to Atleti’s woes. Osasuna, meanwhile, continue to threaten, with Zaragoza’s pace troubling Galan.
60’: Osasuna nearly double their lead. Budimir’s flick-on finds Oroz, whose curling shot is tipped over by Oblak. The resulting corner is cleared, but Osasuna’s confidence is growing. Atleti respond with a Sorloth header that sails over, their first real chance of the half.
69’: Atleti come close to leveling the score. Molina, now settled at right-back, sends a low cross into the box for Alvarez. Juan Cruz reads the danger, intercepting just as Alvarez prepares to shoot. Osasuna’s defense, led by Catena and Boyomo, remains resolute.
80’ – GOAL! Osasuna 2-0 Atletico Madrid (Ante Budimir): Osasuna seal the upset! A swift counterattack sees Pena release Budimir, who outpaces Le Normand and slots a low shot past Oblak into the bottom corner. The Pamplona crowd goes wild, and Atleti are left shell-shocked. Budimir’s clinical finish buries any hopes of a comeback.
87’: Osasuna make a double substitution, replacing Oroz and Budimir with Moi Gómez and Raúl García to shore up their lead. Atleti throw on Antoine Griezmann for Simeone, but the Frenchman struggles to make an impact against Osasuna’s compact defense.
90’: Seven minutes of stoppage time are announced, giving Atleti a glimmer of hope. Osasuna, however, manage the game expertly, with Torro and Ibanez breaking up play. A late De Paul free-kick is headed wide by Gimenez, and Atleti’s frustration is evident.
90+7’: The final whistle blows, and El Sadar erupts! Osasuna secure a famous 2-0 victory, their first against Atleti since 2013. The Rojillos’ European dreams are alive, while Atleti slump to a rare defeat.
Full-Time: Osasuna 2-0 Atletico Madrid
Post-Match Reaction
Player of the Match: Alejandro Catena
Catena’s towering header opened the scoring, and his defensive solidity alongside Boyomo kept Atleti’s potent attack at bay. His leadership and composure earned him the plaudits in a match where Osasuna’s backline shone.
Vicente Moreno’s Thoughts (Osasuna):
“This is a massive win for us,” Moreno tells Al Jazeera Sport. “The boys showed heart and discipline. Catena and Budimir delivered, and Herrera was immense. We’re dreaming of Europe, and this keeps us in the fight.”
Diego Simeone’s Verdict (Atletico Madrid):
“We didn’t take our chances, and they punished us,” Simeone admits. “Osasuna defended well and hit us on the break. We’ll learn from this and focus on finishing the season strongly.”
Fan Reactions on X:
Osasuna fans were ecstatic, with one post reading, “Catena and Budimir! Herrera’s save! This is why we love Osasuna! Europe, here we come!” Atleti supporters were less forgiving: “No fight, no ideas. Simeone needs to wake this team up.”
Match Analysis
Osasuna’s 2-0 victory was a triumph of tactical discipline and clinical finishing. Moreno’s game plan—high pressing, compact defending, and quick transitions—neutralized Atleti’s attacking threat. Zaragoza’s set-piece delivery and Budimir’s counterattacking prowess exposed Atleti’s defensive frailties, while Herrera’s save and Catena’s goal set the tone. Osasuna’s 12 shots (5 on target) to Atleti’s 8 (3 on target) and 42% possession reflected their efficiency.
Atletico, despite their early dominance, lacked creativity. Sorloth and Alvarez were starved of service, and De Paul’s wayward passing (78% accuracy) hindered their rhythm. Barrios’ injury disrupted their midfield balance, and Simeone’s late substitutions failed to spark a comeback. The defeat, Atleti’s first in six games, highlighted their occasional overreliance on individual moments.
The match’s intensity was evident in its physicality, with 16 fouls (Osasuna 9, Atleti 7) and three yellow cards. Osasuna’s ability to weather Atleti’s early storm and capitalize on set-pieces and counters was the difference, ending a 12-match losing streak against their opponents.
What It Means
For Osasuna, the win is a statement. Level on points with eighth-placed Rayo Vallecano, they remain in pole position for a Europa League or Conference League spot. With games against Getafe and Mallorca to come, their European fate is in their hands. The victory also boosts morale ahead of a crucial run-in.
Atletico, already assured of Champions League football, slip to their fourth defeat of the season. The loss dents their momentum but doesn’t alter their top-four status. Simeone will demand a response in their final two games against Valencia and Real Madrid to ensure a strong finish.
Key Stats
Possession: Osasuna 42% – Atletico Madrid 58%
Shots: Osasuna 12 (5 on target) – Atletico Madrid 8 (3 on target)
Corners: Osasuna 4 – Atletico Madrid 5
Pass Accuracy: Osasuna 76% – Atletico Madrid 82%
Fouls: Osasuna 9 – Atletico Madrid 7
What’s Next?
Osasuna: A trip to Getafe offers a chance to maintain their European push. Their final game against Mallorca at home could be a defining moment in their quest for continental football.
Atletico Madrid: They host Valencia next, aiming to regain form before a blockbuster finale against Real Madrid. Simeone will look to sharpen their attack to end the season on a high.
ConclusionOsasuna’s 2-0 triumph over Atletico Madrid was a masterclass in resilience, tactical nous, and clinical finishing. Alejandro Catena’s header and Ante Budimir’s counterattacking strike, backed by Sergio Herrera’s heroics, delivered a famous victory that keeps the Rojillos’ European dreams alive. Atletico, despite their early promise, were outfought and outthought, leaving Pamplona empty-handed.
The Estadio El Sadar faithful will savor this upset, a rare bright spot in their recent history against Atleti. As LaLiga’s final weeks unfold, Osasuna’s European chase promises drama, while Atleti must regroup to finish strong. For now, the Rojillos reign supreme.
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