Key Facts
- Osasuna (9th/25 points) is only two points behind Real Sociedad, while Villarreal (4th/41) can make up three points on Atlético – there is a lot at stake for both teams in the table.
- Osasuna has picked up seven points from its last four league games, most recently a 3-1 win at Rayo; Budimir scored again, while Benito is still out, weakening the defense.
- Villarreal travels to the game after several defeats (including 3-0 in Leverkusen, 2-0 against Real, and 2-0 against Betis); their performances seem fragile and often fall apart after the break.
- Foyth’s long-term absence after surgery is forcing Villarreal to make changes; Freeman’s possible deployment on the right should provide impetus, while Parejo and Moreno will carry the offensive.
- Osasuna are winless in their last five league games (three Villarreal wins, two draws) and the games have often been high-scoring; both teams have conceded goals in their last games, with Villarreal scoring 80% of their goals after the break.
Sometimes the starting position alone reveals why a game is more than just 90 minutes. On Saturday, January 31, at 3:15 p.m. UTC, ninth-placed Osasuna (25 points) will host fourth-placed Villarreal (41 points) at El Sadar, with Alessio Lisci facing Marcelino, and there is clearly something at stake for both teams in the table. Osasuna are only two points behind Real Sociedad, so a step towards Europe seems within reach. Villarreal, on the other hand, are three points behind Atlético Madrid and seven ahead of Espanyol, but still need consistency. Villarreal are in fourth place, but their Champions League mission has recently fallen short of expectations, with the 3-0 defeat at Leverkusen being the latest example. Captain Foyth is out long term, which explains the signing of Freeman. Villarreal beat Osasuna 2-1 in September and are unbeaten in five meetings overall, with low-scoring encounters tending to be the exception in this fixture.
- Venue: Estadio El Sadar, Pamplona
- Date and time: January 31, 2026, 4:15 p.m.
- Competition: La Liga (matchday 22)
Villarreal to win looks interesting at odds of 2.5, because Osasuna have conceded at least one goal in each of their last five games and the visitors have enough firepower in Parejo and Moreno. Foyth’s operation means a change is necessary, but Freeman’s possible inclusion will provide additional impetus on the right.
Osasuna form & record check
Osasuna take seven points from their last four La Liga games to El Sadar, first a 1-1 draw against Athletic Club and a 1-0 defeat in Girona, then two wins in a row, 3-2 against Oviedo and 1-3 at Rayo Vallecano. Their Copa del Rey run ended in a penalty shootout at Real Sociedad after a 2-2 draw. Ninth with 25 points, they are two points behind Real Sociedad and level on points with Girona.
Osasuna are expected to stick with their familiar system of four defenders, two defensive midfielders, three attacking midfielders, and one striker under Lisci, with Herrera likely to start in goal. The back four in this predicted starting lineup consists of Rosier and Galán as fullbacks, flanking Boyomo and Herrando respectively. It is a formation that tends to keep the center stable and allows the fullbacks to push forward in a targeted manner.
Villarreal Form & Record Check
Villarreal travels to El Sadar on the back of a shaky run of form in all competitions. Defeats against Leverkusen (3-0) in the Champions League, Real Madrid (2-0) and Betis (2-0) in La Liga, as well as a 2-1 home loss to Ajax, outweigh the solid 3-1 win against Alaves. Overall, their performances have been shaky, with good spells rarely leading to sustained control of the game. Even when the score was level at halftime, the second half took its toll.
Marcelino is likely to stick with his familiar system of four defenders, four midfielders, and two strikers, with Tenas expected to start in goal.
Freeman could start at right-back, with Marín and Veiga operating centrally and Cardona on the left. In midfield, Buchanan and Moleiro would take up the wing positions, while Partey and Parejo would form the center, and Moreno is expected to partner Pépé up front. This formation should keep the team compact without the ball.
Osasuna – Villarreal Head-to-Head & Statistics
Osasuna are still waiting for a win in their last five league meetings. Villarreal have won three, with the other two ending in draws. The two most recent matches were both home wins for Villarreal, 2-1 in September 2025 and 4-2 in May 2025. Before that, there were two consecutive draws in 2024, 2-2 and 1-1, as well as a 3-1 win for Villarreal in 2023.
