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Opposition lowdown: Osasuna
RCD Espanyol set for their first opponents of the second half of the season
RCD Espanyol begin the second half of the season at home against Osasuna on Saturday.
Back at the RCDE Stadium where they are unbeaten this year, Espanyol look to continue their rise up the table, albeit against a formidable opposition. Osasuna are in a moment of confidence and were victorious in the reverse fixture, in what is set to be an enticing encounter in front of a home crowd.
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Name: CA Osasuna
Nickname: Los Rojillos (The Little Reds)
Manager: Jagobe Arrasate
Stadium: El Sadar – 23,516 capacity
Last match: L 0-1 vs Atlético de Madrid
Current position: 8th
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The season so far
Osasuna are enjoying a stellar season across all competitions as they continue their push for a European spot. They finished the first half of the season just three points off the top six, as well as booking their place in the Copa del Rey semi-final with an extra-time victory over Sevilla.
Standout player
All eyes will be on the Rojillos’ number nine this weekend, with Chimy Ávila the team’s top scorer this season. His seven goals in LaLiga have been decisive in some of Osasuna’s outings, a nifty striker looking to cause damage against opposition defences.
Last time at the RCDE Stadium
Espanyol last welcomed Osasuna to the Temple in May 2022 as the season came to a close. With Kike Barja giving the visitors a lead just before the break, Nico Melamed came up to equalise and come back to earn a 1-1 draw in a tight affair.
Club links
Walter Pandiani had two spells with Espanyol across his career, scoring 23 goals in the blanquiazul shirt and winning the Copa del Rey within his first few months. The Argentine was at Osasuna inbetween those periods, where he surpassed 100 appearances before returning to the pericos.