Zaragoza vs Osasuna preview - Mendilibar ready for battle

Osasuna coach Jose Luis Mendilibar has called for cool heads from his players as they go in search of three vital points against fellow relegation rivals Real Zaragoza on Sunday.

Osasuna ended a run of four successive defeats with an unexpected 1-0 win over third-placed Valencia last weekend, but even with that victory they are still only one point above the bottom three heading into their trip to La Romareda.

Zaragoza, meanwhile, are one point better off after claiming a memorable victory themselves last Saturday, beating Real Madrid 3-2 at the Bernabeu.

Looking ahead to what could be a crucial match for both clubs, Mendilibar said: "We need to have cool heads and we cannot go mad. We need to play with composure. Getting a point away from home is never bad, although we are not going to Zaragoza looking for a draw.

"I don't think it will be a very attractive game nor with much showing off, and we have to know how to compete because they do it very well."

He added: "Many times these games are decided by the smallest details. It will be important not to let them take the lead."

Zaragoza have won three of their last four matches, beating rival strugglers Getafe and Almeria at home as well as that win at the Bernabeu, and they appear to have hit form at just the right time.

They also look to have a reasonable run-in, with games against mid-table sides Real Sociedad and Levante as well as a home clash with Espanyol to come after this weekend.

The result against Madrid was a huge fillip, but goalkeeper Toni Doblas has warned his side not to become complacent, saying: "It has boosted morale, but we can't relax yet. A win against Osasuna and we're almost there, so it's a big motivation for us."