Can Sevilla's Leaky Defense Contain Ante Budimir at the Sánchez-Pizjuán?

Sevilla will take all three points on Monday night, provided they can keep Ante Budimir quiet. The Andalusians have the attacking firepower to overwhelm Osasuna at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, but their chaotic backline makes this Matchday 10 clash a genuine tightrope walk.[1][3]

Luis García Plaza’s men sit sixth in La Liga with 14 points, but they arrive carrying the baggage of a bruising 4-1 defeat to Real Madrid. That October 18 loss at the Bernabéu snapped their early-season momentum and exposed a defense that has already conceded 16 goals in nine matches.[3][6]

The fallout from the capital hasn't just been tactical. Sevilla spent the week lodging formal complaints with La Liga over the television broadcast of four controversial refereeing decisions. While neither manager offered direct press quotes ahead of Monday's kickoff, the club's official statement cited "unequal treatment" in the production.[2]

The Budimir Problem

Osasuna, meanwhile, travel south with renewed belief and a lethal focal point. Jagoba Arrasate took over the managerial reins on October 12 and immediately steadied the ship. He guided the Pamplona side to a 2-0 shutout victory over Racing Santander last weekend, lifting them to 12th place.[4][5][6]

The undisputed danger man for the visitors is Ante Budimir. The Croatian striker has already netted seven times this season, converting a ninth-minute penalty against Racing to extend his scoring streak to three consecutive La Liga appearances. He boasts a 56 percent success rate in total duels.[3][4]

Budimir thrives on the exact kind of service Osasuna excels at delivering. The visitors boast an 81 percent pass accuracy and generate consistent wide deliveries, meaning Sevilla’s center-backs will face a relentless physical battle. Opponents have already put 45 shots on target against Sevilla this season.[3]

Osasuna's defense has also shown resilience under pressure, racking up 227 clearances and securing three clean sheets this term. Goalkeeper Sergio Herrera will need to be at his best to handle Sevilla's direct approach, especially given the hostile atmosphere expected from the 42,000 fans inside the Sánchez-Pizjuán.[3][5]

Firepower in the Final Third

Despite their defensive frailties, Sevilla’s attack remains incredibly potent on their own turf. Isaac Romero and Miguel Sierra have both found the net multiple times this month, while Manu Bueno proved he can strike from distance with his consolation goal against Madrid.[4]

The hosts average just 41.3 percent possession, preferring to bypass slow build-up play in favor of rapid, direct transitions. With 142 crosses attempted and 374 long balls played already this season, Sevilla will look to stretch Osasuna’s backline and force errors in the penalty area.[3]

History suggests a grueling, low-scoring affair when these two meet in Andalusia. Sevilla edged the corresponding fixture 1-0 last November, though Osasuna flipped the script with a 2-1 victory at El Sadar in April 2026. The visitors will hope to replicate that upset on Monday.[1][4]

The Tactical Verdict

The match will likely be decided in the transition moments. If Sevilla can force turnovers and feed Romero in space, their sheer volume of chances should overwhelm an Osasuna side that has lost its last three away games. The hosts generate nearly 10 expected goals at home.[3][4]

However, if the hosts overcommit and leave gaps, Budimir is too clinical to miss. Expect a chaotic, end-to-end battle where Sevilla’s attacking depth just barely outpaces Osasuna’s aerial threat. A high-scoring home victory seems the most probable outcome for a team desperate to rebound.[3][4]