Levante host Osasuna at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia on Friday evening in Round 35, with both sides looking to finish the campaign strongly after mixed recent runs. The meeting comes at a point where momentum matters as much as points, and the contrast in current rhythm gives the fixture a clear edge.
The home side are trying to recover from a heavy defeat at Villarreal, while Osasuna arrive having shown more resilience across their recent league outings. With both teams using familiar shapes, the contest looks set to be decided by which side imposes its structure more cleanly.
Look at our Data and Stats for Levante vs Osasuna
Why it matters
For Levante, this is a chance to steady the season after a difficult away performance and remind supporters of the control they showed in home wins over Sevilla and Getafe. A positive result would help restore confidence and give their final run-in a more settled feel.
Osasuna, meanwhile, have been more consistent in collecting results even when not at their sharpest. Their recent draw at Deportivo Alavés and narrow defeats to stronger opposition suggest a side that remains competitive, and a win here would strengthen the sense that their campaign is finishing with purpose.
Form picture
Levante’s recent league form has been uneven, with two home wins sandwiched between a goalless draw at Espanyol and defeats to Real Sociedad and Villarreal. The 1-5 loss last time out was a sharp setback, especially after the more controlled performances that had briefly lifted them.
Osasuna’s sequence has been steadier, even if not spectacular. They beat Sevilla at home, drew with Real Betis and Deportivo Alavés, and were only narrowly beaten by Athletic Club and Barcelona, which points to a team that is generally harder to break down.
That contrast matters because Levante have shown they can be effective when the game is on their terms, but Osasuna have been more reliable at staying in matches. The visitors’ recent results suggest they are less likely to drift out of the contest if the first hour becomes tight.
Key storyline
The main tactical theme is likely to be Levante’s 4-1-4-1 against Osasuna’s 4-2-3-1, with the home side needing more control in midfield after being exposed at Villarreal. Levante’s shape has been consistent, but the balance between protection and support in front of the defence will be tested again.
Osasuna’s structure gives them a clearer platform to manage transitions and feed Ante Budimir, while also allowing Raúl Moro and Rubén García to work between the lines. If Levante cannot keep their midfield compact, Osasuna may find it easier to dictate territory and create the cleaner chances.
Team news
Levante are expected to be without Iván Romero because of a muscle tear, which removes one of their midfield options and narrows their rotation. That absence may encourage a more cautious selection in the centre of the pitch, with Jon Ander Olasagasti, Pablo Martínez and Ugo Raghouber likely to carry the workload.
Their predicted shape remains a 4-1-4-1, with Mathew Ryan behind Adrián Dela, Diego Pampín, Jeremy Toljan and Matías Moreno. Carlos Espí, Kareem Tunde and Víctor García are set to provide the attacking line, but Levante may need more support from midfield if they are to avoid being pinned back.
Osasuna have no reported injuries, which gives them a cleaner selection picture and more continuity. Sergio Herrera is expected to start behind Alejandro Catena, Enzo Boyomo, Javi Galán and Valentin Rosier, with Aimar Oroz, Iker Muñoz and Jon Moncayola forming the midfield base.
That stability should help them keep their 4-2-3-1 intact, with Ante Budimir leading the line and Raúl Moro and Rubén García offering width and movement. The lack of injury disruption also means Osasuna can approach the game with fewer compromises in both shape and personnel.
Tactical battle
The key area is likely to be the middle third, where Levante’s single holding midfielder will have to screen the defence against Osasuna’s double pivot and advanced midfielders. If Osasuna establish control there, they can force Levante deeper and reduce the home side’s ability to build cleanly.
Levante’s best route may be to keep the game compact and use their home energy to press in bursts rather than chase the ball for long spells. Osasuna, by contrast, will probably be content to stay organised, wait for openings and use their more settled structure to create the clearer attacking moments.
Recent meetings
Osasuna have had the better of the recent head-to-heads, winning the last two meetings 2-0 and 3-1, while Levante’s last positive result in the sequence was a 3-1 home win in 2020. That pattern points towards Osasuna having found a more effective way to handle this fixture in recent seasons.
Reporter’s view
This feels like a match where Levante’s response will be judged as much on control as on result. After the Villarreal setback, they need a more disciplined display, but Osasuna’s steadier form and cleaner team news make them the side more likely to settle into the game’s rhythm.
If Levante can keep the contest tight early, their home record shows they are capable of making life awkward. Even so, Osasuna’s balance, recent resilience and stronger head-to-head record suggest a narrow away edge in a game that may be decided by one decisive spell rather than sustained dominance.
Prediction
Osasuna look better placed to take something from the game, with a narrow away win or a tight draw the most likely outcome.
