Osasuna vs Levante Prediction: Ramis Era Begins at Fortress El Sadar 🇪🇸

Osasuna vs Levante: A New Chapter Begins in Pamplona 🏟️

Introduction: A Delayed Debut with High Stakes 🌟

The Estadio El Sadar in Pamplona finally prepares to host Osasuna’s first La Liga fixture of the 2026/27 season, as the home side welcome Levante on Monday, 24 August 2026. This match, originally scheduled as Round 1 but now played in Round 2 due to postponement, represents the start of a new era for the Navarrese club under manager Luis Miguel Ramis. 🔥

Both teams narrowly avoided relegation last season, finishing level on 42 points, with Osasuna in 17th and Levante in 16th. The visitors enter this fixture on the back of a chastening 3-0 defeat to Espanyol, while Osasuna are desperate to start their campaign on the right foot in front of their passionate home support. With survival once again the primary objective, this promises to be a fiercely contested affair at El Sadar. 🏆

Head-to-Head Record 📋

The historical record at El Sadar offers Osasuna a significant psychological advantage. The two sides have met eleven times in the top division in Pamplona, with Osasuna winning seven, Levante securing three victories, and one draw. The aggregate goal difference tells a story of dominance, with Osasuna scoring 21 goals to Levante’s nine.

Recent encounters have followed a similar trend. Osasuna won the most recent meeting at El Sadar 2-0 in December 2025. Levante’s last victory in Pamplona came in 2020, and they have not won in their last six visits to the Navarrese capital. The visitors’ only win in the last five direct duels came in May 2026, a 3-2 victory in Valencia. This home record provides a significant psychological boost for the hosts. 📊

Team Form and Momentum 📈

Osasuna: Building a New Identity Under Ramis 🔵

Luis Miguel Ramis’s side have had a disrupted build-up to their season opener, with their scheduled Round 1 fixture against Celta Vigo postponed. This has given the new manager extra time on the training ground, though it also means his team begin their campaign a week later than most of their rivals. Ramis has emphasised his intent to “go with everything” and stated that he wants to see a team that “competes to the limit”.

Pre-season form has been encouraging, with two victories, one draw, and two defeats from their friendlies, though a 0-2 loss to Al Ain at El Sadar was a concern. The squad has been strengthened with the arrivals of Jonathan Dubasin and Rockson Yeboah, though Yeboah is yet to receive his playing licence and will not feature. The only confirmed absentee is right-back Valentin Rosier, who continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.

Ante Budimir, the club’s all-time top scorer who netted 17 La Liga goals last season, will once again be the focal point of the attack. Aimar Oroz, who is seeking to rediscover his best form, is expected to provide creativity from midfield. ⭐

Levante: Seeking Redemption After a Disastrous Start ⚪

Luis Castro’s side arrive in Pamplona with a point to prove after a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Espanyol in their opener, a match in which they failed to register a single shot on target. The manager was brutally honest in his assessment, stating that his team “had not been up to standard mentally” and that their opponents “wanted the victory more”.

The summer has been marked by significant squad turnover, with seven new arrivals, but the uncertainty surrounding player registrations has disrupted preparations. Two of the latest signings, winger Thiago Fernández and centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe, have not yet been inscribed and are unavailable. Midfielder Kervin Arriaga has also departed for AEK Athens.

There is positive news with the return of forward Roguer Brugué, who was suspended for the opener. He is expected to be one of the few changes to the starting lineup. 😰

Team News and Predicted Lineups 🧑‍🤝‍🧑

Osasuna: Ramis’s Selection Decisions 🔧

Ramis is expected to field a 4-2-3-1 formation. Sergio Herrera is confirmed in goal behind a backline of Arguibide, Catena, Herrando, and Bretones. The midfield will be anchored by Moncayola and Torró, with Rubén García, Aimar Oroz, and Raúl Moro providing creativity behind the lone striker Budimir.

The only confirmed absentee is Rosier, while Yeboah is unavailable due to licensing issues.

Predicted Osasuna XI (4-2-3-1): Sergio Herrera; Arguibide, Catena, Herrando, Bretones; Moncayola, Torró; Rubén García, Aimar Oroz, Raúl Moro; Budimir.

Levante: Brugué Returns, New Faces Await Registration 🤕

Castro is expected to name a similar lineup to the one that started against Espanyol, with Brugué coming in for one of the wide players. Ryan will start in goal behind a defence of Toljan, Mandi, Dela, and Sánchez. The midfield will feature Olasagasti, Rey, and Álvarez, with Brugué, Cortés, and Romero forming the attack.

Predicted Levante XI (4-3-3): Ryan; Toljan, Mandi, Dela, Sánchez; Olasagasti, Rey, Álvarez; Brugué, Cortés, Romero.

Tactical Analysis and Expected Goals 📊

The tactical battle is expected to be one of Osasuna’s home dominance and attacking intent against Levante’s desperate need for points. Ramis has stated his intention to play proactive football, utilising Budimir’s physical presence and Oroz’s creativity to unlock the Levante defence. The hosts’ record at El Sadar provides a significant advantage.

Levante, following their dismal performance against Espanyol, will need to show significant improvement. Their inability to create chances is a major concern, and they will look to Brugué’s return to provide a spark in attack. However, their defensive absentees and the uncertainty surrounding player registrations leave them vulnerable. 🎯

Statistical models heavily favour the home side, with Osasuna given a 58% chance of victory according to the odds. The expected goals (xG) data from last season suggests a competitive contest, but Osasuna’s home record and Levante’s poor form point towards a home victory. The Over 2.5 Goals market is priced competitively, though recent history suggests a tighter affair. 📈

Conclusion and Final Prediction 🏁

This fixture presents a significant opportunity for Osasuna to start the Ramis era with a statement victory. The hosts’ formidable record at El Sadar against Levante, combined with the visitors’ confidence-sapping defeat and registration issues, should prove decisive. Ramis’s side have had extra preparation time and are desperate to make amends for last season’s struggles.

Levante’s quality on paper cannot be discounted, but their opening-day performance was alarming. They will need a dramatic improvement to get anything from this fixture. Expect Osasuna to dominate proceedings and secure a winning start to their campaign in front of their passionate home support. ⭐

Prediction: Osasuna 2-1 Levante. Goals from Ante Budimir and Aimar Oroz should secure a vital three points for the hosts. Roguer Brugué may find the net for the visitors, but Osasuna’s home dominance and Levante’s defensive fragility will prove the difference in this La Liga opener. 💥⚽