Osasuna are preparing to visit Sevilla on Monday at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, aiming for a second consecutive victory in La Liga. The team managed by Jagoba Arrasate completed their second training session of the week on Friday, focusing on the clash scheduled for 21:00.
The coach has emphasised the match's importance. "The rojillos will try to achieve a second consecutive victory at the Pinjuán since Arrasate's arrival," the manager said. The team arrives with confidence after a 2-0 win against Racing Santander on Sunday 18 October, with goals from Ante Budimir and Asier Osambela. That win is part of a recent upturn in form, with two victories in their last three league matches, though their form over the last five games reads one win, one draw and three defeats.
However, the squad faces the game with several key absences. Del Castillo, Herrando and Aimar Oroz are recovering from muscle injuries and their presence in Seville is highly unlikely. The only positive note on the injury front is Asier Bonel, who is already training with the group after his recovery.
The preparation schedule includes an open session for the public this Saturday and a final closed-door workout on Sunday. Osasuna currently sit tenth in the standings with 11 points, from three wins, two draws and four defeats. The team has scored 10 goals and conceded 18, giving them a goal difference of -8. They are 16 points behind the leaders, Barcelona. Their next opponent, Sevilla, are sixth, so a win would allow the Navarrese side to close in on the European places.
Croatian striker Ante Budimir, the team's top scorer this season with seven goals, will be a key piece in attack. The team needs to improve its defensive record, having conceded 18 goals in nine matches, an average of two per game. Prior to the win against Racing, their recent results included a 5-2 defeat to Real Betis on 11 October, where Budimir scored an own goal but also found the net for his side, and a 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano on 19 September. The last league meeting between the two ended in a draw, but Osasuna want to change the dynamic of their trips south. Monday's match on 26 October is the standout fixture of matchday 10.
First reported at as.com
