Osasuna aim to stop their slide this Saturday when they host Rayo Vallecano in the seventh round of La Liga. The Pamplona-based side arrives on the back of three consecutive defeats, the latest a heavy 4-0 loss away to Atlético Madrid last Wednesday.
The league table mirrors this dip. With seven points from a possible eighteen, Osasuna sit in 13th place, four points above the relegation zone and eleven behind leaders Barcelona. Their goal difference of five scored and twelve conceded is another urgent area for improvement.
The clash with Rayo presents a clear chance to get back on track. The Madrid side, 11th with nine points, has also been inconsistent and comes off a home win against Espanyol. In the last meeting between the two, back in January, Osasuna won 1-3 at Vallecas.
Midfield absences
The Osasuna manager faces the match with issues in the engine room. Aimar Oroz, Jorge Herrando and Moi Gómez are all out with muscle injuries and will be unavailable. Their absences will force adjustments in a key area for regaining the control of play that was lost in Madrid.
In attack, the main reference remains Ante Budimir, the team's top scorer with four goals in six matches. His efficiency will be key to capitalise on chances created by a depleted midfield. The immediate schedule, featuring this game and a following trip to Granada, is critical for dispelling early concerns.
The probable lineup could see Aitor Fernández in goal, with a back five including Unai Santos and Abel Bretones on the flanks. In the centre, Lucas Torró and Asier Osambela will have the responsibility of providing balance. Full squad details are on the squad page.
The match will be played at the Estadio El Sadar on Saturday 19 September at 14:00 local time. A win against Rayo Vallecano would take Osasuna to ten points, moving them closer to mid-table and restoring confidence after a tough week.
