Osasuna vs Atletico de Madrid preview - Lopez targets victory

Posted Sunday, April 03, 2011 by PA

Atletico Madrid captain Antonio Lopez has warned his side they are likely to have to "suffer" to get three much-needed points against improving Osasuna at the Reyno de Navarra stadium.

With just two victories in their last 10 games, Atletico's hopes of a Champions League berth are virtually over as they now lie 15 points adrift of the top four, but they can still salvage something from their season with a Europa League place.

Heading into this weekend's fixtures, Quique Sanchez Flores' men are eighth in the standings, three points behind sixth-placed Athletic Bilbao.

A victory over Osasuna would aid Atletico`s European bid and boost confidence following their home derby defeat to Real Madrid last time out, but Lopez knows it will not be easy in Pamplona, where top-five sides Madrid and Espanyol have both lost recently.

"It's a very tough ground and all teams suffer there, but we're ready," said Lopez, who spent two seasons at Osasuna earlier in his career.

"We have to go out with at least the same intensity level as they do. With our quality, we know that we're going to have scoring chances. We have to show our commitment at the Reyno de Navarra."

Atletico's cause will not be helped by the absence of suspended striker Sergio Aguero, but Lopez is confident the Rojiblancos can cope without their leading scorer.

"We know what he contributes to the team, he's very important, but we can't feel sorry for ourselves. We have other players and whoever plays in his spot will also do well and will contribute to the team," he added.

"We're going to go for the three points against Osasuna because we know that we can't slip up any more."

While Atletico have seen their European dreams damaged in recent weeks, Osasuna have given their hopes of survival a huge boost with a hugely impressive run of form since Jose Luis Mendilibar took charge.

In his six matches in the hotseat, Mendilibar has lost just once and led Osasuna to four wins - including each of the last three - to help the club climb up to 10th spot, six points above the relegation zone.

Defender Nelson said of tomorrow's match: "We are in good form. We have to believe in ourselves, because the team have shown they can play football.

"It's going to be a difficult game which we must face with confidence and calm."