Atletico Dominates Osasuna 4-0 to Keep Title Hopes Alive

Atletico did not just win. They overwhelmed Osasuna.

Diego Simeone’s side tore through their visitors in a ruthless 4-0 victory at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, a statement performance that keeps them locked into the early Liga title race and sends a clear message to the rest of Spain.

David sets the tone – and breaks a record

The night belonged to David.

He struck first in the 24th minute, finishing with the conviction of a man who already looks at home in red and white. That opener settled any early nerves and instantly tilted the game in Atletico’s favour, Osasuna suddenly chasing shadows in a stadium that sensed something bigger was brewing.

With that goal, David carved his name into club history. He became the first Los Rojiblancos player in the 21st century to score in each of his first two La Liga matches. Not a bad way to introduce yourself to a demanding fanbase that has seen its share of stars.

He was not done. After the break, David slipped seamlessly into the role of creator, threading a sharp, incisive pass for Lee Kang-in to make it 2-0 nine minutes into the second half. One swing of his boot, one cool finish from Lee, and the contest effectively ended.

Star striker, chief playmaker, record-breaker. All in one night.

Lee, Le Normand and Baena finish the job

Once Lee Kang-in doubled the lead, Atletico played with freedom and authority. The pressure finally told again in the 63rd minute, when Robin Le Normand stepped up to add the third, tightening the grip on a match that had long since slipped away from Osasuna.

Any faint hope of damage limitation disappeared in the 82nd minute. Alex Baena arrived to add a fourth, the final flourish on a performance that bordered on exhibition football at times. By then, Osasuna were simply trying to escape without further punishment.

They did not manage it. The 4-0 scoreline reflected the gulf in intensity, quality and belief.

For Osasuna, the numbers make grim reading: 13th in the table, just seven points from their opening six games, and a heavy defeat in the capital that exposes serious defensive frailties.

Atletico’s depth shines without Julian Alvarez

All of this came with one notable absentee.

Julian Alvarez did not feature at all, left out of the matchday squad as he continues to recover from a muscle problem that has stalled his start to the season. Simeone had already flagged the issue in his pre-match press conference, a small cloud over Atletico’s attacking options.

Any doubts vanished quickly.

David led the line, Lee buzzed around him, and the supporting cast stepped up. The performance underlined the depth Simeone now has at his disposal: even without a marquee forward, Atletico carried threat from every angle and never once looked short of firepower.

Derby storm on the horizon

The win does more than add gloss to the goal difference. It tightens the table.

Atletico climb to 13 points from six matches, sitting third, just two points behind Real Madrid and leaders Barcelona. The margins are slim, and the next step could be decisive.

Because next up at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano comes the game that defines seasons: the Madrid Derby.

Los Blancos will arrive knowing a defeat could see Atletico leapfrog them in the standings. Simeone will know this is the chance to turn a strong start into something more serious, to convert momentum into genuine title pressure.

For Osasuna, the outlook is different. They head home bruised and exposed, needing a response when they host Rayo Vallecano. Another slip, and a slow start could harden into a worrying trend.

Atletico, though, walk into derby week with four goals, a clean sheet, a record-breaking forward, and a stadium that has already tasted blood. What more could Simeone have asked for before Madrid come to town?