Atlético Madrid moved a step closer to securing a top-three finish in La Liga after Ademola Lookman inspired a hard-fought 2-1 victory over CA Osasuna at El Sadar, with the Super Eagles forward opening the scoring in the first half.
Although UEFA Champions League qualification was already guaranteed, Diego Simeone’s men started brightly in Pamplona and were rewarded after 15 minutes.
Following a lengthy VAR review for Javi Galán’s handball inside the area, referee Jose Luis Guzmán Mansilla pointed to the spot, and Lookman calmly converted to register his eighth goal in all competitions since arriving from Atalanta BC in January.
Osasuna nearly found an immediate response midway through the half when Koke’s misplaced back pass gifted Ante Budimir a huge opportunity, but the Croatian forward lifted his effort narrowly over the bar from close range.
Budimir was involved again deep into first-half stoppage time after clashing with Juan Musso in the box.
Guzmán Mansilla initially awarded the hosts a penalty, only to reverse the decision after consulting VAR.
Atlético continued to create chances after the restart, with substitute Alexander Sørloth wasting two promising openings.
Their inability to finish left the door open for Osasuna, who pushed for an equaliser through Alejandro Catena, Kike Barja and Budimir, but Musso produced important saves to preserve the lead.
The visitors eventually made their pressure count when Marcos Llorente delivered a dangerous cross to the back post, where Sørloth reacted quickest to score Atlético’s second goal of the night.
Llorente’s evening later took a negative turn after he received a second yellow card for bringing down Aimar Oroz, giving Osasuna renewed hope in the closing stages.
The hosts managed to pull one back in stoppage time through Barja, but Atlético held on to secure all three points.
The win keeps Atlético fourth in the standings, three points behind Villarreal CF, as Simeone’s side continue their push for a third-place finish.
Osasuna, meanwhile, remain 11th with their hopes of qualifying for Europe fading fast.
