Diego Simeone's injury-hit Atlético Madrid showed their champion's spirit with a gritty 2-1 victory over Osasuna at El Sadar, keeping their momentum alive in the final stretch of the LaLiga season.

With the title already secured and Champions League qualification confirmed, Simeone still fielded a strong lineup despite eight first-team absentees for this midweek clash. The Colchoneros came out determined, and it was Nigerian star Ademola Lookman and Norwegian target man Alexander Sørloth who delivered the decisive blows, lifting the visitors to within three points of third-placed Villarreal.

Goalkeeper Juan Musso had a night to remember—and nearly forget. He was busy in the first half, then found himself at the center of controversy when he accidentally caught Ante Budimir with a fist while clearing a cross. Referee José Luis Guzmán Mansilla initially pointed to the spot and showed a yellow card, but wisely overturned both decisions after a VAR review. Musso bounced back with a flying save on an unmarked Budimir after 65 minutes and another sharp stop from Alejandro Catena late on, though Kike Barja finally beat him in the 91st minute. A solid 7/10 performance.

Marcos Llorente was everywhere at El Sadar. Starting at right-back, he shifted into midfield when Rodri Mendoza went off injured, never shirking his defensive duties. His vital intervention on Budimir just before halftime kept the scores level, and he showed plenty of personality—earning a booking for reminding the referee to stay focused. Llorente then turned provider, delivering the cross that Sørloth converted for the crucial second goal. Unfortunately, his night ended early with a red card for a foul on Budimir, but his all-action display earned a 6/10.

Young defender Pubill nearly opened his account for the club with a driving run and low shot that forced Aitor Fernández into a smart save, showing the depth and hunger in Simeone's squad even with the title wrapped up.

For Osasuna, this defeat plunges them deeper into the relegation battle, a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in LaLiga's relentless final weeks.