La Liga | Gameweek 37

May 18, 2025 at 6pm UK

Estadio El Sadar

Osasuna vs Espanyol

Match preview

Having lost just one of their last eight games, Vicente Moreno's Osasuna are still in with a chance of securing a top-eight spot with two matches remaining.

On Thursday, Los Rojillos secured an impressive 2-0 victory over Atlético Madrid, thanks to a first-half goal from centre-back Alejandro Catena and a late strike from striker Ante Budimir.

This result left Moreno's team in ninth place in the table, level on points with eighth-placed Rayo Vallecano, who are currently in the position that would earn them a place in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers.

The hosts have won four of their last six games and are only behind Los Franjirrojos by a one-goal differential. Considering they have won three in a row at the Estadio El Sadar, they will be confident of overtaking their rivals this weekend.

If Osasuna can secure their 12th victory of the season on Sunday, they could climb to eighth place, potentially placing them just one point behind seventh-placed Celta Vigo ahead of matchday 38.

Meanwhile, Manolo González's Espanyol are currently on a four-game losing streak and have yet to secure their top-flight status for the 2025–26 season.

Last time out, Los Periquitos were beaten 2–0 at home by derby rivals Barcelona, who secured their 28th La Liga title when wonderkid Lamine Yamal put La Blaugrana ahead with another incredible strike and Fermín López sealed the win in stoppage time.

This defeat left González's team in 16th place with 39 points, just five ahead of 18th-placed Leganés, who could still catch up with two games remaining.

Despite their advantageous position, visitors' fans will be concerned that their team lost their last two away games, including 3-2 to Los Pepineros at the weekend. They are unlikely to rest easy until they are mathematically safe.

However, both fans and players will be aware that a win would guarantee Espanyol another season in La Liga. Defeat could put them at risk on the final day of the 2024–25 season, but relegation favourites Leganés would have to win their own match this weekend to set up that scenario.

Recent Performance

Osasuna La Liga form:WWWLDW

Espanyol La Liga form:WDLLLL

Team News

Osasuna could be without left-back Juan Cruz this weekend, as he was substituted late in the game against Atlético due to injury. Abel Bretones could take his place in the backline.

In attack, Ante Budimir will be supported by Rubén Peña and Bayern Munich loanee Bryan Zaragoza, with Aimar Oroz operating in an attacking midfield role just behind the central striker.

Espanyol will be missing centre-back Leandro Cabrera following his red card against Barcelona, and Fernando Calero is likely to partner Marash Kumbulla at the heart of Gonzalez's defence.

Meanwhile, left-back Brian Olivan could return to the matchday squad for the first time since March, having worked his way into contention following a calf injury. However, Carlos Romero is expected to start on Sunday.

Elsewhere, striker Roberto Fernández will be looking to fire his team to guaranteed safety alongside Antonio Roca and Javi Puado, with Edu Exposito supporting the trio from midfield.

Possible starting lineup

Osasuna possible starting lineup:

Herrera; Areso, Boyomo, Catena, Bretones; Ibanez, Torro; Pena, Oroz, Zaragoza; Budimir

Espanyol possible starting lineup:

Garcia; Hilali, Kumbulla, Calero, Romero; Gonzalez, Lozano; Roca, Exposito, Puado; Fernandez