Osasuna will test the strength of Atlético

Atlético de Madrid, joint-leaders of Liga BBVA alongside FC Barcelona, come up against CA Osasuna in the sixth round of fixtures. Diego Simeone’s side go into the match at the Calderón with a 100% record in the league to date. In contrast, the side from Navarra, now managed by Javi Gracia following José Luis Mendilibar’s sacking after the third round of fixtures, managed to get their first three point of the season after defeating Elche CF at El Sadar, taking them from the foot of the table in the process.

The 'colchoneros' will be without Adrián López, who required an operation on a fractured bone in his face following the UEFA Champions League tie against FC Zenit. Brazilian Diego Costa, scorer of five goals so far this season, will return to be the attacking focal point of the side. Osasuna are hit hard by injury, and will come to the capital with a squad of 18 that doesn’t include Miguel Flaño, Álvaro Cejudo, Nino, Miguel De las Cuevas, Roberto Torres or Ion Echaide.

“We’re taking on a side who attack and defend well, counterattack with a lot of speed, and have good set-pieces. We will need to compete at the same level as them if we want to take anything from the game. Maybe we’re facing the best side in the league up until now, and to play at such a level would give me a great deal of satisfaction”, said Javi Gracia in his pre-match press conference.