Budimir's Penalty Prowess: Unbeaten Osasuna Look to Extend Sevilla Streak

← Back

 

April 24, 2025

CA Osasuna vs Sevilla FC

As CA Osasuna prepare to host Sevilla FC in LaLiga's Matchday 33 on Thursday, April 24, 2025, the home side enters the contest with history and momentum on their side.

The Pamplona-based club has established an impressive unbeaten run against the Andalusian giants, not losing in their last six LaLiga encounters (2 wins, 4 draws). This represents Osasuna's longest unbeaten streak against Sevilla in top-flight football, a remarkable turnaround after having lost eight of their previous nine meetings.

Current form also favors the hosts, who are enjoying a four-game unbeaten run in LaLiga (2 wins, 2 draws), including victories in their last two matches. A win on Thursday would give them three consecutive league victories for the first time since October 2021 under former manager Jagoba Arrasate.

Leading Osasuna's charge is Croatian striker Ante Budimir, who has been in phenomenal form this season. With 18 goals in 32 LaLiga appearances, Budimir has already set his personal best scoring tally in a single campaign.

Perhaps most impressive is his incredible penalty record—Budimir has converted all eight of his spot-kicks this season, making him LaLiga's most prolific penalty taker. His clinical finishing from the spot has been crucial to Osasuna's success, with the team converting an impressive 100% of their penalties this season.

While Sevilla traditionally performs well at El Sadar stadium—picking up points in six of their last seven visits (3 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss)—their recent away form has been concerning. The Andalusians have lost their last two away fixtures and risk suffering three consecutive away defeats for only the second time since the 2019/20 season.

One bright spot for Sevilla has been Belgian winger Dodi Lukébakio, who has been involved in six of the team's last ten away goals (four goals, two assists). His tally of eight goals in 16 away games this season matches the impressive start made by Carlos Bacca in 2013/14.

The tactical battle between the dugouts adds another intriguing dimension to the fixture. Sevilla manager Joaquín Caparrós boasts an impressive unbeaten run of eight LaLiga matches against Osasuna (5 wins, 3 draws) after initially struggling against the Navarrese side.

Conversely, Osasuna's Vicente Moreno has never defeated Sevilla in six previous LaLiga encounters (2 draws, 4 losses). Sevilla represents one of Moreno's most challenging opponents, alongside Athletic Bilbao.

The scheduling adds another wrinkle to the matchup. Osasuna has struggled on Thursdays, losing four of their last five LaLiga games played on this day of the week. In contrast, Sevilla has thrived, losing just one of their last eight Thursday fixtures (6 wins, 1 draw)—a 0-2 defeat to Athletic Bilbao in January 2024.

As these two teams clash at El Sadar, Osasuna's current momentum faces off against Sevilla's historical Thursday success in what promises to be a captivating LaLiga encounter.

Thank you to OPTA for providing the statistical data.

Photo: source XYZ