Racing de Santander vs Osasuna preview - Damia hopeful over European qualification

Damia has called on Osasuna to ensure they give themselves the best chance of securing Europa League qualification when they travel to Racing Santander in Sunday's final game of the Primera Division season.

Having finished 15th last term, many expected Osasuna to struggle this term but they have far exceeded expectations to go in to Sunday's season finale in eighth position with 51 points.

Jose Luis Mendilibar's team have an outside chance of securing Europa League qualification for only the fifth time in their history.

Mallorca and Levante are ahead of the Basque side in the standings but they face Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao respectively, meaning Osasuna could well end up qualifying for the competition if they beat bottom side Racing, who were relegated two weeks ago, this weekend.

"We go there with a lot of hope," Osasuna defender Damia said.

"We know that we aren't in control of our own destiny, but we have to win because if we don't and the other results go our way, we'll have our head in our hands."

Osasuna have suffered heavy beatings at the hands of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and even relegation candidates Rayo Vallecano this term, but they did defeat Pep Guardiola's team at home and have picked up some other decent results this term.

For that reason, Damia insists his team-mates should be very happy with their efforts this year, whether they make it in to Europe or not.

"We are very satisfied to be in this position at the end of the season," the defender said.

"We want to end the season with 54 points and qualify for the Europa League. That would be a dream season for us. "But if we end up with 54 points and still don't make it in to Europe it will still have been a fantastic season.

"We have 10 metres left to run now. We just have to drag our legs over the finishing line."

Osasuna's chances of victory have been hit by injuries to Lolo, Masoud Shojaei, Ion Echaide, Kike Sola and Sergio, who are all doubts.

Racing, who are some 13 points adrift of safety, will be hoping to welcome a number of players back from the treatment room as they look to end a dismal season on a high at their Estadio El Sardinero home.

Kennedy Bakircioglu (calf), Papakouli Diop (groin), Bernardo (nose) and captain Pedro Munitis (leg) have all trained this week and should be fit to play.