Football Season Guide

Osasuna only missed out on European qualification because of their head-to-head record with Rayo Vallecano, ending the season with only one defeat in the last 10 games. Much of that was fuelled by home form, where Osasuna lost fewer home games than champions Barcelona. Despite that, coach Vicente Moreno departed and Alessio Lisci, who led Mirandés to almost earn a shock promotion from Segunda last season, has been appointed as his replacement. Lisci's promising track record has pleased fans, who had grown frustrated with Moreno's defensive approach. Osasuna's transfer business has been understated to date. Valentin Rosier is an established replacement for Jesus Areso who left for Athletic, but there remains a gap in attack with the unproven youngster Victor Munoz a gamble to replace the injury-hit but high-quality option of Bryan Zaragoza last season. All eyes will therefore be on top scorer Ante Budimir. Last season's 16 draws was a league high, and Osasuna will rely on the Croatian for cutting edge to start turning some of those ties into victories if they are to push up the table. While he scored 21 league goals, no other player scored more than five last season and Lisci will be looking to get more attacking contributions out of the likes of Muñoz, Ruben Garcia and Aimar Oroz.