Atletico Madrid vs Osasuna Prediction and Betting Tips

Atletico Madrid is set to host Osasuna at the Civitas Metropolitano on January 12, 2025, in a LaLiga fixture that holds significant implications for both teams. Atletico Madrid, currently second in the league standings, is on a remarkable 13-match winning streak across all competitions. A victory in this match would not only extend their winning run to a record 14 consecutive games but also secure them the honorary title of winter champions, as they would surpass Real Madrid by one point at the halfway mark of the season.

Osasuna, positioned mid-table, has struggled with consistency, particularly in away games, securing only one victory on the road this season. Their recent form has been underwhelming, with no wins in their last six league matches. However, they come into this fixture with a morale-boosting 2-1 victory over Tenerife in the Copa del Rey, aiming to replicate their surprising 4-1 triumph against Atletico at the Metropolitano from the previous season.

Team News and Tactical Approaches

Atletico Madrid’s head coach, Diego Simeone, has the advantage of a nearly full-strength squad, with the exception of the injured José María Giménez. The team is expected to line up in a 4-4-2 formation, featuring Jan Oblak in goal; a defensive line of Nahuel Molina, Le Normand, Clément Lenglet, and Javi Galán; a midfield quartet of Marcos Llorente, Rodrigo De Paul, Pablo Barrios, and Conor Gallagher; and a forward partnership of Antoine Griezmann and Julián Álvarez.

Osasuna’s manager, Vicente Moreno, may opt for a more defensive 5-4-1 setup to counter Atletico’s attacking prowess. Key players for Osasuna include forward Ante Budimir, who leads their scoring charts, and midfielder Lucas Torró, who provides stability in the center of the park. Defensively, Jesús Areso and Jorge Herrando will be crucial in attempting to contain Atletico’s dynamic offense.

Head-to-Head and Recent Form

Historically, Atletico Madrid has dominated this fixture, winning 23 out of the last 41 encounters between the two teams. However, Osasuna’s emphatic victory at the Metropolitano last season serves as a reminder of their potential to cause an upset. Atletico’s current form is formidable, with their recent 2-1 victory over Barcelona highlighting their resilience and tactical acumen. Osasuna, despite their struggles, will draw confidence from their recent cup success and past triumphs against Atletico.

Prediction and Betting Tips

Considering Atletico Madrid’s exceptional form and home advantage, they are favored to secure a victory in this matchup. A 3-1 win for Atletico seems plausible, given their attacking capabilities and Osasuna’s defensive vulnerabilities. Bettors might consider the following options:

• Atletico Madrid to Win: Given their current winning streak and superior squad depth, a home victory is highly likely.
• Over 2.5 Goals: Atletico’s offensive strength suggests a match with multiple goals.
• Both Teams to Score: While Atletico is expected to dominate, Osasuna has the potential to find the net, as evidenced by their previous encounters.

Conclusion

while Osasuna has the capability to challenge Atletico, especially considering their surprise victory last season, the hosts’ current form and aspirations for the top spot in LaLiga make them the favorites to clinch all three points in this encounter.