Osasuna vs. Real Madrid | La Liga | Pre Match

Spanish champions Real Madrid will be bidding to return to winning ways in La Liga when they head to El Sadar on Saturday to tackle Osasuna.

Los Blancos are currently top of the La Liga table, boasting 50 points from their opening 23 matches of the campaign, while Osasuna are ninth, collecting 31 points from their first 23 games of the 2024-25 season. Despite their current standing in the league, Osasuna have demonstrated resilience throughout the season, positioning themselves as a formidable opponent for Real Madrid. The clash at El Sadar is expected to be highly competitive, with both teams eager to secure crucial points as the season progresses.

Osasuna have recorded seven wins, 10 draws, and six defeats from their 23 league matches this season, accumulating a total of 31 points that place them in ninth position. They are just four points behind sixth-placed Rayo Vallecano in the race for European competition, a target that remains within their reach if they continue to perform well in the coming fixtures. The team has shown significant improvement in their home performances, with their passionate fan base at El Sadar often acting as the twelfth man in difficult matches. Their current form indicates a determination to finish in the top half of the table, a feat they achieved in the 2022-23 season when they secured seventh place.

Los Rojillos will enter this match off the back of a 1-1 draw against Mallorca, with Enzo Boyomo securing a point in the 94th minute of the contest after Vedat Muriqi had sent Mallorca ahead from the penalty spot in the 81st minute. This late equalizer exemplifies Osasuna’s fighting spirit and determination to salvage results even in challenging situations. The team’s ability to grind out points has been a notable aspect of their campaign so far, and they will need to display similar resilience against Real Madrid. Vicente Moreno's side is now unbeaten in their last four league matches, with three of those ending in draws, but they were 2-1 winners over Real Sociedad in their last game in front of their own fans at the start of the month.

Osasuna finished 11th last season, but their aspirations are much higher this time around. They were seventh in 2022-23 and have their eyes on a first top-six spot since claiming fourth place in 2005-06, highlighting their ambition to return to the European stage. The club’s historical performance suggests that they are capable of competing at a high level, and their recent form indicates they are on the right track to achieving that goal. The final months of the campaign will be crucial in determining their fate, and matches against top teams like Real Madrid provide an excellent opportunity to prove their credentials.

The Pamplona outfit, however, will have to overcome a psychological hurdle, as they are on a five-game losing streak against Real Madrid in all competitions. This includes a heavy 4-0 defeat when the two sides locked horns in the corresponding fixture at the Bernabeu back in November. The memory of that loss will undoubtedly be fresh in the minds of Osasuna’s players, and they will be eager to make amends by delivering a strong performance in front of their home supporters. A positive result against the league leaders would not only boost their confidence but also send a statement to the rest of the league about their capabilities.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, will enter the match off the back of a thrilling 3-2 success over Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League knockout round playoff on Wednesday night. The Spanish giants showcased their trademark resilience and fighting spirit, coming from behind twice at the Etihad Stadium before Jude Bellingham netted a last-gasp winner to put the reigning European champions in an excellent position ahead of the return fixture at the Bernabeu next week. This victory will have injected further confidence into Carlo Ancelotti’s side, reinforcing their belief that they can overcome any challenge that comes their way.

However, Los Blancos have only picked up one point from their last two league games, losing 1-0 to Espanyol at the start of February before playing out a 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby last weekend. These results have allowed their title rivals to close the gap, making the upcoming fixtures even more crucial in the race for the La Liga crown. Ancelotti’s men are currently one point clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid and two ahead of third-placed Barcelona, setting the stage for an intense battle for supremacy in the closing months of the campaign. The race for the title remains wide open, and every match carries immense significance in determining the eventual champions.

Real Madrid have the second-best away record in La Liga this season, picking up 22 points from their 12 matches on their travels. However, they have only won half of those fixtures, indicating a level of inconsistency in their performances away from home. Osasuna, on the other hand, have the fifth-best home record in Spain’s top flight this term, making El Sadar a difficult venue for visiting teams. Real Madrid will need to be at their best to secure all three points and maintain their position at the top of the table.

Osasuna are again expected to be without the services of Raul Garcia due to an ankle problem, while Boyomo is suspended due to the yellow card that he picked up shortly before scoring against Mallorca last time out. These absences could have an impact on Osasuna’s defensive solidity, forcing Vicente Moreno to make adjustments to his lineup. Jorge Herrando is likely to be the player to benefit in terms of the back four, but head coach Moreno could otherwise name an unchanged side, with Bryan Zaragoza and Ruben Garcia occupying the wide positions. The tactical setup will be crucial in countering Real Madrid’s attacking threat, and Osasuna will need to maintain their defensive discipline throughout the match.

Ante Budimir has been a standout performer for Osasuna this season, scoring 12 times in La Liga. The experienced forward will once again lead the line, and his ability to convert chances will be vital in Osasuna’s efforts to secure a positive result. Budimir’s physical presence and aerial ability make him a constant threat in the opposition’s penalty area, and he will be looking to add to his tally against a Real Madrid defense that has been stretched due to injuries.

As for Real Madrid, Lucas Vazquez, David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, and Dani Carvajal are all out through injury, but the capital giants did not pick up any fresh problems against Manchester City. The defensive absences have forced Ancelotti to experiment with his backline, and the makeshift pairing of Raul Asencio and Aurelien Tchouameni in central defense is expected to continue on Saturday. While both players have performed admirably, the lack of defensive stability remains a concern for Real Madrid.

Dani Ceballos is currently enjoying a run in the side, and that is likely to continue this weekend, with Luka Modric potentially having to settle for more football off the bench. Modric’s experience and creativity remain invaluable assets for Real Madrid, and Ancelotti may turn to him in the latter stages of the game if needed. Brahim Diaz made an impact off the bench against Manchester City, but he is not expected to be considered for a start, with Rodrygo set to feature alongside Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham in the final third of the field. The attacking quartet will be key in breaking down Osasuna’s defensive setup and securing a vital victory for Los Blancos.

With both teams having plenty to play for, Saturday’s clash at El Sadar promises to be an intriguing battle. Real Madrid will be eager to return to winning ways in La Liga and maintain their title charge, while Osasuna will be looking to cause an upset and bolster their push for European qualification. The match is set to be a compelling encounter, with high stakes and plenty of excitement in store for fans of Spanish football.