Osasuna vs. Espanyol – News and Probable Lineups

The LaLiga clash on Sunday evening at El Sadar features two teams both on 42 points, with Osasuna and Espanyol aware that the last two matches of the season might ultimately influence their status in the top division.

The teams are placed 13th and 14th respectively, differentiated only by goal difference. Manolo Gonzalez’s side comes into this match following a confidence-boosting 2-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao, while Alessio Lisci’s team is in dire need of a turnaround after losing three games in a row.

Match overview

Osasuna enters this fixture in 13th place on the La Liga table, having amassed 42 points from 11 wins, nine draws, and 16 defeats, with a goal difference of 43 scored and 47 conceded over 36 matches.

With just four points separating 11th and 19th place, the final two games are anything but straightforward, and the six points at stake could determine who gets relegated when the season concludes.

Lisci’s squad has demonstrated greater reliability at El Sadar compared to away from home, achieving nine wins at home along with five draws and four losses, in contrast to only two victories on their travels throughout the entire season. Back-to-back home matches present an opportunity that they cannot afford to miss.

However, recent performances have raised concerns, as Osasuna has managed just one victory in their last five encounters, suffering four defeats, including three consecutive losses that have forced them to look anxiously at the teams below them.

The latest of these defeats was a 2-1 loss at home to Atletico Madrid, where Kike Barja’s consolation goal in the 90th minute did little to alleviate the disappointment among the home fans.

If Lisci cannot halt this downward trend quickly, Osasuna risks being pulled into a relegation battle that seemed unlikely just a month ago, and Sunday’s match comes at a crucial juncture.

Espanyol finds themselves in a nearly identical position, positioned 14th with the same 42 points from 11 wins, nine draws, and 16 defeats. However, their goal difference is slightly worse, having scored 40 and conceded 53, which places them below their rivals.

Gonzalez’s team has also struggled on the road this term, managing only four wins, five draws, and nine losses away from home for a total of 17 points from their travels.

Recent form reveals a similar inconsistency, with Espanyol winning once, drawing once, and losing three times in their last five fixtures—though their only victory came in their most recent match, which could hold significance.

A 2-0 home win against Athletic Bilbao, with goals from substitutes Pere Milla and Kike, is likely to have lifted spirits in the Espanyol camp, giving Gonzalez’s players a much-needed confidence boost going into this important away match.

This win marked a particularly emotional first victory of 2026 for Gonzalez and his squad, representing their first three points in 143 days since a 2-1 win over Athletic Club in December 2025.

The head-to-head record shows little difference, with Espanyol winning 1-0 in their last encounter at home. In the last five meetings, Osasuna has secured two victories, Espanyol one, with two matches ending in a draw.

Team News

Osasuna will be without Victor Munoz, who is out due to a calf injury ahead of Sunday’s encounter.

Ante Budimir is expected to provide the main threat for the home side, having scored 17 goals in 2,773 minutes this season, including five headers and 12 major chances converted, making him a particular danger in close-range situations and set-pieces.

Ruben Garcia serves as Osasuna’s primary creator on the flanks, leading the squad with five assists while also delivering 71 corners and creating 21 accurate crosses throughout the season.

Espanyol will be missing Cyril Ngonge, who is dealing with a minor injury, and Javi Puado has been sidelined since January following a cruciate ligament injury.

Eduardo Exposito is the key creative force for the visitors, having recorded six assists and completed 311 passes into the penalty area this season, with his ability to control the tempo of Espanyol’s play being vital to their success at El Sadar.

Gonzalez will be hoping that the confidence gained from their win over Athletic Bilbao translates into performance, with the attacking players who came on as substitutes in that match vying for starting positions on Sunday.

Osasuna probable starting XI:

Fernandez; Rosier, Boyomo, Catena, Galan; Moncayola, Torro; Garcia, Gomez, Moro; Budimir

Espanyol probable starting XI:

Dmitrovic; Romero, Cabrera, Riedel, El Hilali; Roca, Lozano, Gonzalez de Zarate, Sanchez; Fernandez, Exposito

Sunday’s match promises to be a tense and nervous encounter between two teams desperate for points, likely resulting in a cautious 90 minutes with few clear chances on either side.

Osasuna’s home record at El Sadar has been their strongest asset all season, and facing an Espanyol team that has only managed four away victories this term, the hosts should narrowly win a keenly contested match to keep their survival hopes firmly within their control.