Atletico Madrid's Projected Starting XI vs Osasuna: What to Expect After a Split 2025 Season

• September 21, 2025
• C Badenhorst
• 0 Comments

Recent Encounters Set the Stage

Atletico Madrid and Osasuna have already squared off twice this year in La Liga. The first meeting on 12 January 2025 saw Diego Simeone’s side edge a solitary goal to claim a 1-0 victory at the Metropolitano. A month later, the tables turned as Osasuna delivered a 2-0 win on 15 May 2025, exposing defensive frailties in the Diego Simeone‑led squad.

Those contrasting results have left both coaches tweaking their rosters ahead of the next fixture. While the official club statement outlining the starting XI remains elusive, patterns from the two games give us a solid blueprint for probable selections.

Projected Lineup and Tactical Outlook

Based on the January and May lineups, Atletico Madrid will likely revert to a 4-4-2 system that Simeone favours against disciplined, compact teams like Osasuna. The back four should feature Jan Oblak in goal, with sturdy centre‑backs José María Giménez and Stefan Savić anchoring the defence. On the flanks, veteran Álvaro Odriozola could reprise his role at right‑back, while Kieran Trippier may provide overlapping runs on the left.

In midfield, the familiar partnership of Koke and Marcos Llorente is expected to dominate the centre, offering both defensive cover and a threat on the counter‑attack. To the right, Vitinha’s creativity could unlock the tight Osasuna backline, whereas on the left, Yannick Ferran’s pace may stretch the opposition defence.

Up front, the striking duo of Joao Felipe and Antoine Griezmann should lead the line. Both proved decisive in the January win, with Felipe netting the winner and Griezmann pulling the strings. Their complementary styles—Felipe’s movement and Griezmann’s vision—should keep Osasuna’s centre‑backs on edge.

Osasuna, for their part, will likely stick with a 4-3-3 that served them well in May. Goalkeeper Sergio Pacheco, centre‑backs Kike Soler and Nacho Fernández, and full‑backs Javi Martínez and Óscar Gil are expected. The midfield trio of Roberto Sanjurjo, Óscar Rodríguez and Rubén García will aim to disrupt Atletico’s rhythm, while the front three of Carlos Vela, Nino Santiago and Martínez will try to exploit any gaps left by the attack‑oriented Spaniards.

Key injuries could still reshuffle the cards. Oblak remains fit, but a niggling hamstring has sidelined Simeone’s preferred left‑winger, making the Vitinha selection crucial. Meanwhile, Osasuna could be without midfielder Oriol Romeu, who suffered a calf strain last week.

The tactical battle will centre on who can impose their style first. Atletico’s trademark high‑pressing, combined with quick transitions through Llorente, will test Osasuna’s disciplined shape. If Osasuna can stay compact and hit Atletico on the break, they have a realistic shot at repeating their May triumph.

Both teams sit mid‑table, but the three points at stake could separate the European‑qualification spots from the mid‑season lull. A win for Atletico would reinforce Simeone’s push for a Champions League berth, while an Osasuna victory would cement their resurgence after a shaky start to the campaign.

Fans can expect a tightly contested encounter, with each side likely fielding their strongest available XI. Until the official announcement drops, the above projection offers the best glimpse into what could unfold on the pitch.