Technology took center stage at El Sadar as Atletico Madrid edged past Osasuna 2-1 in a La Liga encounter marked by two controversial penalty decisions. The first saw a spot kick awarded to Atletico after a VAR review for a handball by Galan on Griezmann, while the second saw Osasuna’s penalty for a Musso foul on Budimir overturned after a lengthy check. Ademola Lookman converted the first from the spot, Alexander Sorloth added a second, and Kike Barja pulled one back late for the hosts.
The match began with a surprising tribute to PSG as Atletico kicked the ball out of play from the center circle to pressurize the opposition. They took the lead around the 15th minute through a sequence involving Griezmann, who set up Mendoza for a one-on-one chance saved by Aitor, then forced the clear handball from Galan. Griezmann famously feigned taking the penalty before generously allowing Lookman to score.
Osasuna responded strongly after Mendoza’s injury, bombarding Musso’s goal with crosses. Budimir missed two clear headers, the second a gift from Koke, who once again played the full 90 minutes despite teammates fading. Atletico manager Simeone fielded a side without academy players due to eight first-team injuries, with the club’s priority seemingly the weekend’s promotion battle for Atletico Madrid B in Elda. Osasuna, for their part, were without suspended goalkeeper Herrera and lost Moro to injury.
The first half ended with the visitors hanging on, but a second-half surge sealed the win. A fine move involving Llorente and Pubill set up Sorloth’s close-range header after a half-time substitution for Almada. Llorente later received a second yellow card for a silly tackle, leaving Atletico with ten men. Barja finally scored in stoppage time, but Atletico held on to survive the VAR scrutiny and claim three points.
