On Thursday evening, September 25, 2025, Osasuna will welcome Elche to the iconic Estadio El Sadar. Both clubs have something to prove: the Pamplona side wants to cement its reputation as a home fortress, while the newly‑promoted Franjiverdes aim to prove their unbeaten run isn’t a fluke.
Match preview and recent form
Osasuna entered the game on the back of a 2‑1 loss at Villarreal, a match where they barely scratched 34% of possession and managed just three shots on target. Striker Ante Budimir was the lone scorer, but the defeat highlighted the team's struggles on the road.
At home, however, the picture is starkly different. Since March 16, the club has racked up six straight La Liga victories at El Sadar, dropping only once in ten home fixtures. The points haul at home has been crucial for a side that otherwise swings between wins and defeats.
Elche’s story reads like a fairytale for a club returning to Spain’s top tier after three years. The team sits unbeaten after five games – two wins and three draws – and just secured a 1‑0 win over Real Oviedo, with Andre Silva netting the only goal. Their 61% possession in that match and a tidy defense suggest a side comfortable in holding onto a lead.
What makes Elche’s run impressive is the quality of opposition they have already faced. Draws against Atletico Madrid and Sevilla, plus a win over Betis, show they can compete against established La Liga clubs.
Head‑to‑head, tactics and betting outlook
History heavily favors Osasuna. In the last 12 meetings, the Pamplona side has earned four wins, while Elche has managed just one, with the remaining seven matches ending in draws. The last victory for Elche over Osasuna came back in 2015, and they have failed to win in the nine most recent encounters.
From a tactical standpoint, Osasuna relies on a compact defensive block and quick transitions that exploit the width of the pitch. Coach Alessio Lisci often fields a 4‑2‑3‑1, with Budimir as the focal point. Expect his partners to press high, forcing mistakes from the visitors.
Elche, on the other hand, favors a balanced 4‑4‑2 that can shift into a more aggressive 4‑2‑3‑1 when they need a goal. Midfielder Luis Gómez has been instrumental in linking play, while Silva offers a direct threat in the box. Their recent away form shows a team that can grind out results – four wins and four draws in the last nine road games.
Betting markets currently list Osasuna as slight favorites, with odds around +650 for a 2‑0 win. The under‑2.5‑goals line is popular, reflecting both teams’ defensive solidity in recent matches.
Probable lineups are shaping up as follows:
- Osasuna: Giménez; Martínez, Fernández, Esparza, Llorente; García, Gámez; Vázquez, Herrera, Valdez; Budimir.
- Elche: Ortega; Peña, Rodríguez, Ramos, Navarro; Gómez, Morales; Silva, Torres, Muñoz; Delgado.
If Budimir finds the net, Osasuna’s chances improve dramatically. Conversely, Silva’s knack for scoring early could force the hosts to chase the game, opening up spaces for counter‑attacks.
Overall, the match promises a clash of styles – a home side that thrives on crowd energy versus a confident away team that has learned to grind out points against tough opponents. The result will likely set the tone for the rest of the season for both clubs.