Osasuna
LevanteBy Kayode Akintola — Football expert covering K League, Kakkonen, Liga I, Leon Second League
The wait is finally over for Osasuna, who kick off their La Liga campaign at home against Levante after their opening-round clash with Celta Vigo was postponed. While the Pamplona side enjoyed an extended preparation period, their opponents are looking to bounce back from a disastrous start that saw them dismantled 3-0 by Espanyol. Adding another layer of intrigue, this marks the official competitive debut of new Osasuna head coach Luis Miguel Ramis, while Levante desperately seek redemption after their Catalan nightmare.
The pre-season campaign for the Navarrese club was a mixed bag. They stormed through their first three friendlies with victories, but the quality of opposition soon exposed their limitations. A respectable 1-2 loss to Serie A runners-up Napoli was followed by a concerning 0-2 defeat to UAE champions Al-Ain. That latter fixture laid bare a troubling vulnerability: Osasuna's defense struggled to cope with rapid counter-attacks, and their second concession came directly from a costly error while attempting to play out from the back.
The postponement of their opening league fixture provided an unexpected opportunity. Osasuna arranged a friendly against Arenas, a third-division side, which ended 1-1. Even against vastly inferior opposition, the team failed to impress. Ramis was candid after the match, admitting his squad remains a long way from implementing the style of football he envisions.
The summer transfer window saw Osasuna retain most of their core from last season, though key departures have left gaps. Winger Víctor Muñoz, who contributed 7 goals and 5 assists in 34 appearances last term, has moved to Liverpool, while starting left-back Javi Galán departed for Celta Vigo. Diego Rico, arriving after three seasons at Getafe, is the likely replacement on the left flank. Among the new arrivals, striker Jonathan Dubasin stands out—he netted 16 goals in 37 Segunda División matches for Sporting Gijón last season. Central defender Roksan Yeboa has joined from Göteborg, but the Ghanaian only linked up with the squad this week, casting doubt on his availability for the Levante clash. The one confirmed absentee is right-back Valentin Rosier, who continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Levante's pre-season painted a rosier picture: four wins and two defeats, capped by an emphatic 3-1 victory over Castellón in their final warm-up. However, the opening league fixture shattered that optimism. Against Espanyol, Luís Castro's men were utterly toothless, failing to register a single shot on target across the full 90 minutes. The visitors were comprehensively outworked, losing the physical battles and intensity duels throughout. Castro attributed the collapse to psychological unpreparedness for the season's start. Now, in Pamplona, the focus will be on how his squad responds to such a demoralizing beginning.
The visitors' squad continues to evolve even as the season begins. The most significant summer departure was Carlos Espí, last season's top scorer with 11 goals, who joined Real Madrid. Registration issues continue to plague Levante due to La Liga's financial constraints. Hugo Sotelo, Dani Requena, Thiago Fernández, and Janis Musuai were all ineligible for the opening round. The sale of midfielder Kervin Arriaga to AEK for approximately €5 million should free up salary cap space to facilitate their registration. On Saturday, Levante also officially secured 18-year-old centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe on loan from Liverpool, with Castro eager to integrate him quickly. There is positive news too: Roger Brugué returns from suspension and is expected to feature in the starting eleven.
Osasuna (4-2-3-1): Herrera – Argibide, Boyomo, Catena, Bretones – I. Muñoz, Moncayola – R. García, Oros, Moro – Budimir
Unavailable: Rosier (injury), Yeboa (doubtful)
Head Coach: Luis Miguel Ramis
Levante (4-2-3-1): Ryan – Pérez, Dela, Mandi, M. Sánchez – Olasagasti, Rey – V. García, Álvarez, Brugué – Romero
Unavailable: Primo (injury), Ndukwe, Sotelo, Requena, T. Fernández, Musuai (all doubtful)
Head Coach: Luís Castro
The circumstances have handed Osasuna a slight edge. The postponed opener gave them extra time to prepare, and history favors the hosts: their last two meetings with Levante at El Sadar both ended in victory. Levante's situation is far more precarious. They offered virtually nothing against Espanyol, suffered a heavy defeat, and continue to grapple with registration issues that could limit Castro's tactical options if unresolved. The smart money appears to be on an Osasuna victory at odds of 1.83.
For the total goals market, Levante's attacking impotence in round one is striking: just four shots attempted, none on target. A 0-3 defeat suggests Castro will prioritize defensive solidity and caution. Osasuna, meanwhile, are still adapting to Ramis's methods and managed only two goals across their last three friendlies. This fixture has the hallmarks of a tight, low-scoring affair where a single moment could prove decisive. Backing under 2.5 goals at 1.80 looks like a prudent play.
The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.
Osasuna4-2-3-1
Levante4-2-3-1Osasuna's offside numbers tell a clearer story than the foul market. They're the least caught-offside team in La Liga, averaging about one per match, yet they consistently force opponents into offside positions. Levante's recent fixtures prove this: their opponents logged 1-1 draws with Sevilla, Espanyol, and Mallorca, plus a 1-5 loss to Celta—all with regular offside counts. Osasuna, meanwhile, have out-offside their opponents in most games, sometimes by a wide margin, like the eight to zero edge against Barcelona. With Ante Budimir finding form and making runs behind defenders, I expect that pattern to hold. The total over 3.5 offsides is a reasonable play, but I prefer Osasuna to win the offside battle outright. The odds are shorter, but the style matchup makes it a confident pick.
Osasuna is the more seasoned squad here, and that experience should count in a LaLiga opener. Levante, meanwhile, are still adjusting after their promotion last season.
I’m backing the home side to get the job done. The odds of 1.87 offer solid value for a team that knows how to manage these games.
Osasuna kick off their LaLiga campaign at home against Levante, and I’m backing them to cover a -1.5 handicap. They missed the first round, so this is their season opener, and they’ve historically dominated this fixture—especially at home, where wins often come by two or more goals. Their preseason form was solid with three wins in five friendlies, including victories over Racing, Ipswich, and Norwich.
Levante, meanwhile, looked poor in their first match, losing 0-3 away to Espanyol with nothing created up front. Their summer friendlies were decent, but that opening defeat exposed their lack of sharpness. Given Osasuna’s strong head-to-head record and Levante’s shaky start, I expect the hosts to win comfortably by at least two goals.
Osasuna get the job done at home against Levante. I'm backing them to win this La Liga matchup, and the 1.87 odds make it a solid bet.
Levante looked flat against Espanyol, and I don't see them turning it around away from home. Osasuna should capitalize on that poor form and take all three points at 1.86.
Osasuna and Levante meet in LaLiga on August 24, and I'm backing the total to go over 2.5 goals at 2.03. This line fits the kind of open, attacking contest I expect from this matchup.
This match comes down to the referee. He lets a lot go and rarely reaches for a yellow card, so I’m backing under 4.5 bookings. My recent run hasn’t been great, but the official’s style here gives me a clear edge.
Osasuna at home against Levante in LaLiga — I'm backing the hosts to score at least two goals. This is a home fixture where they should find the net multiple times, so the over 1.5 for Osasuna looks like the right call.
Osasuna are stronger on paper and playing at home gives them a clear edge. Levante will struggle to contain them, so I’m backing the hosts to take all three points.
Home win at 1.85 is the right call here.
Osasuna vs Levante screams low-event. Both the scoreline and the corner count will stay small. Under 8.5 corners at 2.21 is the call — no hesitation.
Osasuna’s corner count should clear five against a Levante side that’s likely to dig in after back-to-back opening losses. That fighting spirit means they’ll sit deep, inviting pressure and giving the hosts plenty of chances to rack up set pieces. The price at 1.79 looks solid for that outcome.
Osasuna should handle Levante here, and I’m backing them to win outright. The home side has the quality to break down Levante’s defense, and with the odds at 1.83, there’s solid value in taking the straight victory rather than overcomplicating things. Levante will likely struggle to keep up, so I see Osasuna controlling the tempo and grabbing the three points. Simple pick: Osasuna to win.
Osasuna hosting Levante – I'm backing the home side to take all three points. It's a bit of a gamble, but I see them getting the win.
Osasuna looks like the clear pick here in this LaLiga match. Levante simply doesn't perform well on the road, and the home side has every reason to come away with the win. With the odds at 1.83, I see strong value in backing the hosts to get the job done.
This Osasuna vs Levante LaLiga clash is set to be a gritty, hard-fought battle. I'm confident the cards will pile up, so over 4.5 yellow cards at 1.92 is the right call.
Osasuna and Levante are heading for a decisive result in this LaLiga fixture. A draw simply isn't on the cards, and I'm backing the home side to get the job done.
First game of the season—everything feels light, exploratory, almost festive. That's exactly why I'm backing under 3.5 yellow cards at 2.80.
Osasuna and Levante often start matches with high intensity. I'm expecting at least two goals before the break in this LaLiga meeting.
Osasuna are clear favorites here, and I expect them to control the match from start to finish. They have the quality to break down Levante’s defense and should find the net at least twice. That’s why I’m backing the hosts to score over 1.5 goals at 1.95 — a solid bet given the form and matchup.
Osasuna and Levante should generate enough corners to go over 10.5 in this LaLiga match. I'm taking the over at 2.57, expecting both sides to push forward and create plenty of set-piece chances.
I'm eyeing the Over 1.5 goals in the first half at odds of 2.98. That price is too big to ignore for a fixture like this. Osasuna and Levante have both shown they can push the tempo early, and with neither side likely to sit back from the start, I expect the net to bulge before the break.
Osasuna with a -1 handicap is the clear play here. They should handle Levante comfortably, and the 2.51 odds make this a solid value bet in LaLiga.
Osasuna is the more seasoned squad here, and that experience should count in a LaLiga opener. Levante, meanwhile, are still adjusting after their promotion last season.
I’m backing the home side to get the job done. The odds of 1.87 offer solid value for a team that knows how to manage these games.
Osasuna get the job done at home against Levante. I'm backing them to win this La Liga matchup, and the 1.87 odds make it a solid bet.
Levante looked flat against Espanyol, and I don't see them turning it around away from home. Osasuna should capitalize on that poor form and take all three points at 1.86.
Osasuna are stronger on paper and playing at home gives them a clear edge. Levante will struggle to contain them, so I’m backing the hosts to take all three points.
Home win at 1.85 is the right call here.
Osasuna should handle Levante here, and I’m backing them to win outright. The home side has the quality to break down Levante’s defense, and with the odds at 1.83, there’s solid value in taking the straight victory rather than overcomplicating things. Levante will likely struggle to keep up, so I see Osasuna controlling the tempo and grabbing the three points. Simple pick: Osasuna to win.
Osasuna hosting Levante – I'm backing the home side to take all three points. It's a bit of a gamble, but I see them getting the win.
Osasuna looks like the clear pick here in this LaLiga match. Levante simply doesn't perform well on the road, and the home side has every reason to come away with the win. With the odds at 1.83, I see strong value in backing the hosts to get the job done.
Osasuna and Levante are heading for a decisive result in this LaLiga fixture. A draw simply isn't on the cards, and I'm backing the home side to get the job done.
Osasuna and Levante meet in LaLiga on August 24, and I'm backing the total to go over 2.5 goals at 2.03. This line fits the kind of open, attacking contest I expect from this matchup.
Osasuna at home against Levante in LaLiga — I'm backing the hosts to score at least two goals. This is a home fixture where they should find the net multiple times, so the over 1.5 for Osasuna looks like the right call.
Osasuna’s corner count should clear five against a Levante side that’s likely to dig in after back-to-back opening losses. That fighting spirit means they’ll sit deep, inviting pressure and giving the hosts plenty of chances to rack up set pieces. The price at 1.79 looks solid for that outcome.
Osasuna and Levante often start matches with high intensity. I'm expecting at least two goals before the break in this LaLiga meeting.
Osasuna are clear favorites here, and I expect them to control the match from start to finish. They have the quality to break down Levante’s defense and should find the net at least twice. That’s why I’m backing the hosts to score over 1.5 goals at 1.95 — a solid bet given the form and matchup.
Osasuna and Levante should generate enough corners to go over 10.5 in this LaLiga match. I'm taking the over at 2.57, expecting both sides to push forward and create plenty of set-piece chances.
I'm eyeing the Over 1.5 goals in the first half at odds of 2.98. That price is too big to ignore for a fixture like this. Osasuna and Levante have both shown they can push the tempo early, and with neither side likely to sit back from the start, I expect the net to bulge before the break.
Osasuna's offside numbers tell a clearer story than the foul market. They're the least caught-offside team in La Liga, averaging about one per match, yet they consistently force opponents into offside positions. Levante's recent fixtures prove this: their opponents logged 1-1 draws with Sevilla, Espanyol, and Mallorca, plus a 1-5 loss to Celta—all with regular offside counts. Osasuna, meanwhile, have out-offside their opponents in most games, sometimes by a wide margin, like the eight to zero edge against Barcelona. With Ante Budimir finding form and making runs behind defenders, I expect that pattern to hold. The total over 3.5 offsides is a reasonable play, but I prefer Osasuna to win the offside battle outright. The odds are shorter, but the style matchup makes it a confident pick.
Osasuna vs Levante screams low-event. Both the scoreline and the corner count will stay small. Under 8.5 corners at 2.21 is the call — no hesitation.
Osasuna kick off their LaLiga campaign at home against Levante, and I’m backing them to cover a -1.5 handicap. They missed the first round, so this is their season opener, and they’ve historically dominated this fixture—especially at home, where wins often come by two or more goals. Their preseason form was solid with three wins in five friendlies, including victories over Racing, Ipswich, and Norwich.
Levante, meanwhile, looked poor in their first match, losing 0-3 away to Espanyol with nothing created up front. Their summer friendlies were decent, but that opening defeat exposed their lack of sharpness. Given Osasuna’s strong head-to-head record and Levante’s shaky start, I expect the hosts to win comfortably by at least two goals.
Osasuna with a -1 handicap is the clear play here. They should handle Levante comfortably, and the 2.51 odds make this a solid value bet in LaLiga.
This match comes down to the referee. He lets a lot go and rarely reaches for a yellow card, so I’m backing under 4.5 bookings. My recent run hasn’t been great, but the official’s style here gives me a clear edge.
This Osasuna vs Levante LaLiga clash is set to be a gritty, hard-fought battle. I'm confident the cards will pile up, so over 4.5 yellow cards at 1.92 is the right call.
First game of the season—everything feels light, exploratory, almost festive. That's exactly why I'm backing under 3.5 yellow cards at 2.80.
The match takes place on 24 August 2026 at 18:30 at El Sadar stadium in Pamplona, as part of LaLiga.
The recommended bet is Double Chance X2 (Levante or draw) with odds of 2.01.
Right-back Valentin Rosier is out with a hamstring injury. New signing Roksan Yeboa is doubtful due to joining the squad late.
Levante lost 3-0 to Espanyol, failing to register a single shot on target and losing the physical battles throughout the game.
Last season's top scorer Carlos Espí (11 goals) moved to Real Madrid.
Yes, Roger Brugué returns from suspension and is expected to start. Also, the club loaned 18-year-old centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Liverpool.