Osasuna Vs Real Madrid

Spanish champions Real Madrid will be aiming to return to winning form in La Liga as they travel to El Sadar on Saturday to face Osasuna. Los Blancos currently lead the La Liga standings with 50 points from their first 23 matches of the season. Meanwhile, Osasuna sit in ninth place, having accumulated 31 points from their 23 league games in the 2024-25 campaign.

Osasuna, under the guidance of Vicente Moreno, have had a mixed season so far. Their record of seven victories, 10 draws, and six defeats has positioned them in a competitive ninth place, just four points adrift of sixth-placed Rayo Vallecano, keeping their hopes alive for European qualification. The team has shown resilience in recent weeks, as seen in their latest 1-1 draw against Mallorca. Enzo Boyomo salvaged a point for his side with a dramatic equalizer in the 94th minute, responding to Vedat Muriqi’s penalty goal in the 81st minute.

This result extended Osasuna’s unbeaten run in La Liga to four matches, demonstrating their growing solidity. Three of these four games have ended in draws, but they secured an impressive 2-1 victory against Real Sociedad in their last home match earlier this month. This form has given them a renewed sense of confidence as they approach the crucial stages of the season.

Osasuna finished 11th in La Liga last season, but in the 2022-23 campaign, they secured a seventh-place finish, showing their potential to compete at a higher level. Their ambition this season is to break into the top six, something they last achieved in 2005-06 when they secured fourth place and qualified for the Champions League. With several months of the season remaining, there is still much to play for, and Osasuna will be keen to capitalize on their opportunities to climb the standings.

However, their recent record against Real Madrid is concerning. Osasuna have lost each of their last five encounters against the Spanish giants across all competitions. Their last meeting at the Santiago Bernabeu in November ended in a heavy 4-0 defeat, highlighting the gap between the two sides. Overcoming such a formidable opponent will require a near-flawless performance from Moreno’s squad.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, enter this fixture fresh off a dramatic 3-2 victory against Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League knockout round playoff. Despite trailing 1-0 and 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium, they demonstrated their resilience and determination to fight back. Jude Bellingham emerged as the hero, scoring a last-minute goal to give Los Blancos a crucial advantage heading into the return leg at the Bernabeu next week.

However, their recent domestic form has not been as impressive. In their last two La Liga matches, they have managed to collect only a single point. A 1-0 defeat to Espanyol at the start of February was followed by a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby last weekend. These results have tightened the title race significantly, with Real Madrid now just one point ahead of second-placed Atletico and two points clear of third-placed Barcelona. With the competition heating up, every match becomes increasingly crucial in determining the eventual champion.

Despite some inconsistent results, Real Madrid have maintained a strong presence away from home this season. They have accumulated 22 points from 12 away fixtures, making them the second-best traveling team in La Liga. However, their record also indicates some vulnerability, as they have won only half of those matches. This inconsistency on the road may provide Osasuna with a glimmer of hope in their pursuit of a positive result.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side will be eager to bounce back in La Liga and extend their lead at the top. With players like Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo in their attacking ranks, Real Madrid have the firepower to dismantle any opponent. Defensively, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba will need to remain alert against Osasuna’s attacking threats, while midfield maestro Luka Modric will look to dictate the tempo of the game.

The challenge for Osasuna will be to contain Madrid’s attacking threats while also posing a danger themselves. Moreno’s tactical setup will likely focus on defensive discipline, pressing in key moments, and utilizing quick counterattacks to exploit any weaknesses in the visitors’ defense. Players like Ante Budimir and Chimy Avila will need to step up and capitalize on any chances they get, as opportunities against a side of Real Madrid’s caliber can be rare.

Given the recent history between these two teams, Real Madrid will enter the match as clear favorites. However, Osasuna’s determination and home advantage could make this encounter more competitive than expected. Their recent unbeaten run in La Liga suggests they have the capability to frustrate higher-ranked opponents, especially if they maintain their defensive solidity.

Real Madrid will need to be at their best to secure all three points, as any slip-ups could have significant implications for their title ambitions. With Barcelona and Atletico Madrid breathing down their necks, dropping points is not an option for Ancelotti’s men. Their focus will be on executing their game plan efficiently and ensuring they do not allow Osasuna to gain any confidence early in the match.

As the match approaches, the anticipation is building for what promises to be an intriguing battle. Osasuna will see this as an opportunity to test themselves against Spain’s elite, while Real Madrid will aim to reaffirm their dominance at the top of the table. Whether the underdogs can pull off an upset or the favorites continue their march towards the title, all eyes will be on El Sadar for another captivating chapter in the La Liga season.