Ademola Lookman shines as 10-man Atletico Madrid hold off Osasuna in hard-fought win

Ademola Lookman delivered a decisive performance as Atletico Madrid overcame late pressure to secure a 2-1 victory over CA Osasuna, despite finishing the match with 10 men.

With UEFA Champions League qualification already secured, Diego Simeone’s side showed no signs of complacency, asserting early control at El Sadar. Their positive start was rewarded in the 15th minute when a penalty was awarded following a prolonged VAR review for handball.

Lookman stepped up with authority, calmly converting to register his eighth goal since his January switch from Atalanta.

Osasuna threatened an immediate response, capitalising on a defensive lapse from Koke, but Ante Budimir squandered a golden opportunity by lifting his effort over the crossbar.

The hosts were later convinced they had a route back into the contest before the break when Budimir tangled with Juan Musso, only for the referee to overturn his initial penalty decision after consulting VAR.

Atletico resumed the second half with similar intensity, though Alexander Sorloth’s finishing lacked precision as he failed to convert two promising openings.

Those missed chances briefly lifted Osasuna, who pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Alejandro Catena came close from a set piece, while Musso produced key saves to deny Kike Barja and Budimir.

The visitors eventually punished Osasuna’s profligacy. Marcos Llorente delivered a teasing cross to the back post, where Sorloth anticipated perfectly to double Atletico’s advantage and give the visitors a cushion heading into the closing stages.

However, the contest took another twist when Llorente was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card for a late challenge on Aimar Oroz, handing Osasuna a numerical advantage with just over 10 minutes remaining.

The hosts seized the momentum and pulled one back in stoppage time through Barja, setting up a tense finale. Atletico, however, remained composed under pressure to see out the result and claim their third win in four league outings.

The victory keeps Atletico fourth in the standings, three points behind Villarreal, as they continue their push for a top-three finish. Osasuna, meanwhile, stay 11th, with their hopes of European qualification fading.