Osasuna 1 - 0 Atlético Madrid

Osasuna v Atlético Madrid: Preview

Updated: April 19, 2005, 6:59 AM ET

Atletico Madrid and Osasuna face each other in Pamplona for the second time in four days, but visiting midfielder Gonzalo Colsa believes the league encounter will be totally different to Wednesday's Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg.

Osasuna were clearly fired up for their cup clash during the week, and tore into a bewildered Atletico who were lucky not to lose by more than Valdo's first-half strike.

The way Osasuna began the game, it was as if someone at the stadium had set off a firework the way organisers do to signal the start of the Running of the Bulls, which takes place in Pamplona every July.

Some inspired goalkeeping from Leo Franco denied a rampant Osasuna in the opening 45 minutes, and though Atletico improved after the break, they struggled to cope with the home side's abrasive and direct style.

"Osasuna will approach this game differently. They will be more relaxed and will probably allow us to take the initiative," said Colsa.

"On Wednesday, they started the game as if their lives depended on it and we did not play well. We got better later on, stringing together more passes, but they never stopped running and closing us down."

With Cesar Ferrando's side lying ninth in the table, three points off the UEFA Cup places with six games left to play, Atletico's chances of making it to Europe through the cup or the league are both now under threat.

"Saturday is now like a final for us. We will have to try and impose our play on the game, keep possession of the ball and move it round quickly. Also, we need to try and cut out the balls to their forwards who are very dangerous in the air."

Wednesday's physical encounter has left Ferrando with injury doubts over playmaker Ariel Ibagaza and right-back Juan Velasco, while winger Jesper Gronkjaer is suffering with a heavy cold.

Striker Salva Ballesta will probably start alongside Fernando Torres up front, as Atletico look to notch up what would only be their third away win all season, and break a run of three consecutive games without scoring.

Back-to-back league wins have arrested Osasuna's slide towards the relegation places and Javier Aguirre's side are now 15th, and all but safe from the drop, with a cushion of 12 points and a game in hand over 18th-placed Real Mallorca.

"Saturday will be another intense game, because they have a lot riding on the game," said former Real Madrid midfielder Valdo.

"But it is also important for us because if we can continue our good form and get another three points, that will practically assure us Primera Liga football again next year."

Osasuna will be without their inspirational midfielder Pablo Garcia, and defender Josetxo who are both suspended.