Osasuna shocked Atletico Madrid with a 2-0 home win on Thursday night, advancing one step closer to a possible European spot in La Liga. Grit, accuracy, and two headers that were timed perfectly characterized the performance.

Alejandro Catena, a defender, stepped up above the throng to nod home a corner in the 25th minute, sparking the home crowd to cheers. Then, with eight minutes left, Ante Budimir completed the victory with a brilliant header of his own, solidifying Osasuna's ascent to ninth place in the standings and making it abundantly evident that they are far from finished.

Osasuna and eighth-place Rayo Vallecano, who are presently vying for the last Conference League slot, are now tied at 48 points. The competition for European football is intensifying quickly, with five La Liga teams slated to compete in the Champions League next season.

For Osasuna, the dream represents a comeback that has been brewing for almost two decades. They last played on the continent in 2007, long before the UEFA Cup was renamed the Europa League, when they made an incredible run to the semi-finals. Once more, that ambition burns.

Atletico Madrid is still having a consistent, although unimpressive, season. With 70 points from 36 games, they are in third place, far from the championship picture but already assured of a Champions League spot.

Days after defeating Real Sociedad 4-0, which was made possible by a scorching four goals from striker Alexander Sørloth in the first half-hour, Diego Simeone's team seemed unfocused and uninspired. Alejandro Catena's header from Bryan Zaragoza's well-placed corner gave Osasuna the lead early on as their momentum faltered and they fell behind.

Just eight minutes later, Sørloth came within a hair's breadth of tying the score with a diving header that appeared headed for the net, but Sergio Herrera made a spectacular reaction save to deny what appeared to be a certain equalizer.

The match lost its spark after that. It floated for a long time, with no intensity or rhythm.

Osasuna wasn't done, though. In the final seconds, Enzo Boyomo slipped the ball to Kike Barja on the wing after deftly sneaking past opponents. A quality moment in an otherwise quiet match occurred when Barja whipped in a precise cross, and Ante Budimir rose to meet it, heading home his 20th league goal of the season.

Osasuna will now focus on their home match against Espanyol, who are currently in 16th position, which is an important match as the season comes to a close. They will then visit Deportivo Alavés, who are struggling for survival in 17th place, to finish their campaign.

Atletico Madrid will play two tests in a row to end the season: one against Real Betis and another against Girona, which may be very important.

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