Almada’s strike lifts Atletico to fourth, ends Osasuna’s unbeaten run

When Thiago Almada tucked away his debut goal for Atletico Madrid on Saturday night, the stadium erupted and the points table shifted – the hosts jumped to fourth place while CA Osasuna tasted their first defeat of the 2025‑26 LaLiga campaign. The decisive moment came in the 71st minute of a tightly‑contested match at Wanda Metropolitano during a LaLiga clashMadrid that will be talked about for weeks.

Match Overview

From the first whistle, the atmosphere was electric. Antoine Griezmann entered the fray with the alluring promise of his 200th LaLiga goal just a header away. Early on, a quick interchange between Julian Alvarez and Alex Baena produced a near‑goal that was chalked off for off‑side interference – and yes, Griezmann was the unlucky party. The first half swirled with chances for both sides, but the decisive breakthrough remained elusive. At the half‑hour mark, Osasuna’s keeper Sergio Herrera denied Griezmann a close‑range tap‑in, keeping the hosts on level terms. Meanwhile, Víctor Muñoz skidded a spectacular long‑range effort that rattled the cross‑bar, hinting at what could have been a shock opener.

Key Moments and Tactical Shifts

The turning point arrived just before the break when Nico González limped off with a hamstring issue. Diego Simeone, ever the pragmatist, introduced his son Giuliano Simeone for the midfielder’s slot. The substitution, while forced, injected fresh energy that helped the home side maintain pressure in the second half. Ten minutes after the restart, Conor Gallagher – who had been warming the bench – replaced Griezmann, who still hadn’t found the net. The Frenchman’s exit was a quiet one, but it underscored Simei‑ne’s willingness to gamble on youth. Shortly thereafter, Alexander Sorloth entered for veteran Koke, sharpening the attacking line‑up. The tactical shuffle paid off when Almada, receiving a crisp pass from Lucas Torro, slotted the ball past Herrera to make it 1‑0. The final minutes saw Jan Oblak rise to the occasion. In the 89th minute, a loopy cross from Ruben García found the Osasuna striker unmarked, but Oblak stretched his right leg and tipped the ball over the bar, preserving the clean sheet.

Statistical Snapshot

• Possession: Atletico 58.6% – Osasuna 41.4%
• Shots: Atletico 18 (5 on target) – Osasuna 9 (2 on target)
• Pass Accuracy: Atletico 88% – Osasuna 81%
• Dribbles Completed: Osasuna 8 – Atletico 5
• Match Rating: Atletico 6.87 – Osasuna 6.45 (according to official LaLiga metrics)

These numbers paint a picture of a side that dictated tempo and created more chances, yet Osasuna’s willingness to challenge one‑on‑one kept the contest lively. The disparity in dribbles suggests a more individual‑driven Osasuna approach, while Atletico relied on structured passing to unlock the defence.

Reactions from the Dugout

Post‑match, Diego Simeone hailed his players’ resilience: “We knew it would be a battle. Losing Griezmann early was tough, but the boys showed character, especially Almada, who seized his moment.” Across the bench, Alessio Lisci, Osasuna’s manager, stayed upbeat despite the setback. “We’re proud of the performance. The first loss hurts, but it’s a learning curve. We’ll regroup and aim to bounce back against the next top‑six opponent.” Griezmann, speaking to the press, admitted disappointment but kept his eyes on the milestone: “One more goal and I’m there. I’ll keep working; the team’s the priority.” Meanwhile, Almada’s teammate Conor Gallagher praised the Argentine’s composure: “Thiago showed why we signed him. He’s quick, smart, and that finish was clinical.”

Implications for the LaLiga Race

The three points catapulted Atletico into fourth place, narrowing the gap to the top three to a single point. With 18 games played, the club sits at 38 points, just behind Real Madrid (39) and Barcelona (40). The win also boosts Madrid’s morale ahead of a crucial clash with Sevilla next week. For Osasuna, the loss ends a flawless start – they had secured seven draws and a win in their opening eight fixtures. The slip puts them back into the mid‑table scramble, currently sitting eighth with 16 points. Their next test against Athletic Bilbao could determine whether they regain momentum.

What’s Next?

Atletico’s schedule now includes an away game against Valencia on October 26, a fixture that could decide the battle for a Champions League spot. Simei‑ne’s squad depth will be tested, especially if injury woes persist. Osasuna, meanwhile, will travel to Bilbao on October 22, hoping to rediscover the defensive solidity that kept them unbeaten for so long. Lisci’s tactical tweaks – perhaps a more compact midfield – will be crucial.

In short, Almada’s goal was more than a match‑winner; it was a statement that Atletico can still produce moments of magic even when key stars are sidelined. As the season unfolds, fans can expect more scrappy, hard‑earned victories in a league that refuses to be predictable.