Confident home victory or guest upset? Preview and prediction for the La Liga clash Osasuna vs Levante
On Monday, August 24, 2026, at 19:30 Central European Time, the closing match of the second round of the 2026/27 Spanish La Liga season will take place at the El Sadar stadium in Pamplona: Osasuna hosts Valencia's Levante.
For the home side, this is their opening official game of the league campaign, while Levante have already played their first-round match, suffering a painful 0-3 defeat to Espanyol.
Osasuna
Pamplona's side approach the start of the national championship after an intense pre-season. The team made targeted reinforcements in both defense and attack (signing Diego Rico and Jonatan Dubasin) to compensate for Víctor Muñoz's move to Liverpool. The main attacking force for the Navarrese remains the experienced Croatian striker Ante Budimir, who netted 17 goals in La Liga last season.
At their home ground, El Sadar, Osasuna traditionally kick off matches with aggression, imposing a physical battle, intense counter-pressing, and frequent crosses into the box.
Levante
The Valencian "Frogs" got off to a disastrous start in the league, conceding three unanswered goals to Espanyol (0-3). Portuguese manager Luís Castro's side is clearly struggling with coordination in central defense and transitions from attack to defense.
In Pamplona, Levante will have to play as the underdogs in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The visitors' main hope will be quick counterattacks down the flanks through Víctor García and Roger Brugué, as well as set pieces.
Probable lineups
- Osasuna: Herrera - Arguibide, Boyomo, Catena, Bretones - Muñoz, Moncayola, Oroz - García, Moro, Budimir
- Levante: Ryan - Toljan, Adri, Mandi, Sánchez - Rey, Olasagasti, Bardeli - García, Brugué, Romero
Prediction
Both teams are built around a destructive, physical style of play. Head-to-heads between Osasuna and Getafe rarely produce open, attacking football, so a low-scoring affair is the most likely scenario. My prediction: Total goals under 2.5.
