Jonathan David Stars as Atletico Madrid Hammer Osasuna 4-0
Atletico Madrid moved to within two points of La Liga leaders Barcelona and Real Madrid after sweeping aside Osasuna 4-0 at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, with summer arrival David scoring once and creating another in Julian Alvarez’s absence.
Diego Simeone’s side had to wait until the 24th minute to break through, but David’s finish gave the home team the control they would not relinquish. The goal also placed the forward in Atletico’s recent record books: he is the first Los Rojiblancos player this century to score in each of his opening two La Liga appearances.
David leads Atletico’s attacking display
Atletico extended their lead nine minutes after half-time when Lee Kang-in, another summer signing, finished from David’s assist. The second goal effectively ended Osasuna’s hopes of a response and allowed the hosts to turn a solid performance into a decisive result.
Robin Le Normand made it 3-0 in the 63rd minute before Alex Baena added the fourth eight minutes from time. Atletico’s four goals underlined the depth available to Simeone despite Alvarez being omitted from the matchday group while he recovers from a muscle issue.
Alvarez’s fitness had been a concern before the match, but Atletico’s replacements and new recruits ensured his absence was not felt against an Osasuna side that struggled to contain the home attack.
Derby next for third-placed Atletico
The win takes Atletico to 13 points from six league matches and into third place. They are two points behind both Barcelona and city rivals Real Madrid, who are immediately next on Simeone’s fixture list.
Real Madrid will visit the Riyadh Air Metropolitano for the Madrid derby, giving Atletico an early opportunity to overtake their neighbours and strengthen their place in the title contest.
Osasuna remain 13th after collecting seven points from their first six matches. Their next chance to respond comes at home against Rayo Vallecano.
