David scores again as Atlético Madrid thrash Osasuna to move third in LaLiga
Atlético Madrid climbed to third place in LaLiga after cruising to a 4–0 victory over Osasuna at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, extending their strong record against Los Rojillos to just one defeat in their last 14 meetings.
It has been one of the more difficult starts to a season under Diego Simeone, with the shadow of Julián Álvarez’s transfer hanging over the club as Atlético struggled to find consistency on the pitch.
Two consecutive defeats at the start of September raised concerns, but last weekend’s 3–0 away victory over Real Sociedad served as a timely reminder of the talent within Simeone’s squad. Back on home soil, Atlético delivered another commanding display, particularly before the break.
Match highlight
The opening 10 minutes passed quietly, but Atlético soon began to assert themselves. Ademola Lookman headed over the bar while unmarked at the far post, Kang-in Lee saw an effort saved, and Cristian Romero sent a header narrowly wide.
Los Colchoneros finally broke the deadlock midway through the first half. Jonathan David had been largely uninvolved in the build-up, but he reacted sharply to convert from close range after Aitor Fernández had initially saved his first attempt.
Fernández was called into action again just before half-time, making a double save to deny both Lee and David. Alex Baena also curled an effort narrowly wide as Atlético continued to push for a second goal.
Despite their dominance, the home side’s lead remained fragile at the interval. Jan Oblak had to stay alert to deny Raúl García, while Osasuna also had a goal ruled out for a minor foul on Robin Le Normand in the build-up.
Simeone’s half-time message clearly had the desired impact. Seconds after the restart, Baena forced another save from Fernández before Atlético doubled their advantage through Lee, who drilled a low effort into the corner following a swift attacking move.
The hosts were soon 3–0 up when Le Normand produced an impressive finish from a corner. Lee, enjoying an outstanding performance, almost added a second goal of his own, only for Fernández to make another excellent save from distance.
Osasuna offered little attacking threat, but Atlético were not finished. Baena added a fourth with a superb first-time finish from inside the area to complete an emphatic victory.
The result leaves Osasuna on a run of three consecutive defeats, with just one win in their last 10 away matches—a worrying sign despite their promising start to the campaign.
For Atlético, the win will fuel hopes that this can be the beginning of a sustained run of form as they look to challenge near the top of the LaLiga table.
