Osasuna vs Rayo Vallecano preview - Raitala looking forward

Posted Sunday, November 20, 2011 by PA

Osasuna defender Jukka Raitala believes his side must move on from their thrashings by Real Madrid and Barcelona and concentrate on games like Sunday's clash with Rayo Vallecano.

The Finland international watched on two weeks ago as Osasuna were torn apart in a 7-1 defeat at the Bernabeu, following a similarly embarrassing 8-0 loss to Barcelona earlier in the season.

However, Osasuna are still unbeaten at home and have shown their best form at the Reyno de Navarra.

Raitala told the club's website: "The matches against Real Madrid and Barcelona are in the past.

"We have to forget them and look to the future. On Sunday we have a game against a team in good form, but if we play like we can at home, I am sure we will win."

Eneko Satrustegui is suspended after he was sent off at the Bernabeu, but elsewhere manager Jose Luis Mendilibar has more options to choose from as Alvaro Cejudo returns from suspension and Roland Lamah, Roversio Rodrigues and Marc Bertran have all returned from injury.

Rayo were in fine form before the international break and have won three of their last four matches, but striker Piti is aware that playing in the intimidating atmosphere in Pamplona will test a side still lacking in Primera Liga experience.

He told a press conference broadcast on the club's website: "We know that this week we have a very important match against Osasuna.

"They are a direct rival and we have to go there for the three points. We can't afford to fail in these matches.

"We know that it is a difficult place to go and a side that fights a lot. The first 15 minutes we will go out to seize the initiative and this is when we have to stop them whilst continuing to play our own game."

Alejandro Arribas missed the 4-0 win over Real Sociedad two weeks ago through suspension but is expected to return at the heart of the Rayo defence.

Raul Tamudo could also make his return from injury, but is unlikely to be risked from the start.