La Liga: Saul strikes as Atletico Madrid scrape win at Osasuna

Atletico Madrid strengthened their hold on a top-four spot after claiming victory in a 1-0 win over Osasuna in La Liga.

The first half contained few clear-cut chances. Antoine Griezmann, who has been involved in nine of Atletico Madrid’s last 13 goals in La Liga, had a chance to put his side ahead early on with a 25-yard free-kick, but his poor attempt hit the wall.

Abdessamad Ezzalzouli looked lively for the hosts on the left-hand side, but the front three overall struggled to test Jan Oblak.

The visitors upped the urgency in the second half, but still struggled to open up Osasuna fully.

The hosts also came close to scoring in the half, with a Chimy Avila header skimming the top of the crossbar in the 56th minute.

Moments after a crucial Oblak save from Diego Moreno's long-range effort, Rodrigo de Paul’s ball from over the top found Saul in the 74th minute, who took advantage of the hosts poor off-side trap. The Spaniard managed to bring the ball down, sped towards goal, and drilled a low shot to give his side the lead.

Once Atletico had scored, the hosts looked lethargic with the ball. However, a Jon Moncayola goal looked to be in the cards, with the ball dropping to the substitute in added time. His long-range powerful effort was sailing on target, but Oblak just managed to tip it over the crossbar to secure the win.

Up next, Osasuna will take on Espanyol, while Atletico Madrid will host Getafe.