Lookman on target as 10-man Atletico Madrid hang on to beat Osasuna

Even though they had already secured a spot in next seasons UEFA Champions League Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone started strongly in Pamplona and earned a rightful lead after 15 minutes.

After a prolonged VAR examination of Javi Galans handball in Osasunas penalty area referee Jose Luis Guzman Mansilla granted a penalty and Ademola Lookman slotted in his eighth goal across all competitions since his January move from Atalanta.

Osasuna nearly levelled the score on 24 minutes following Kokes poor back pass but Ante Budimir lifted his chip just over the bar from 15 yards out.

The Croatian forward was involved again during first half added time after clashing with Juan Musso yet following an initial penalty award to the hosts Guzman Mansilla reversed the decision upon VAR review.

The second half began in much the same fashion as the first with substitute Alexander Sorloth missing two opportunities wide of Aitor Fernandezs net shortly after the restart.

Osasunas failure to capitalise allowed them a shot at parity as Alejandro Catena headed wide from a corner while Musso saved efforts from Kike Barja and Budimir.

Those squandered chances came back to haunt the home team when Sorloth reacted to Marcos Llorentes cross at the far post to make it two nil for Atletico and clinch the victory at El Sadar.

Llorente was not done yet as the Spain international received a second yellow for fouling Aimar Oroz.

With over 10 minutes left the numerical advantage sparked some hope for Osasuna who reduced the arrears in added time via Barjas strike but it was insufficient to salvage a point.

This result keeps Atletico in fourth place three points adrift of Villarreal though Simeone must focus on the remaining two games to snag third position for the fifth time in seven years.

Osasuna hold 11th spot with faint hopes of re entering the European contention.