Real Madrid is set to face Osasuna at El Sadar Stadium in Pamplona, Spain, on Saturday at 9pm (20:00 GMT) in a crucial LaLiga clash. With a chance to extend their lead at the top of the league to four points, Real Madrid aims to exploit Osasuna's inconsistent form. However, the home team is eager to capitalize on Real Madrid's recent European exertions and end a winless streak against the Spanish giants that dates back to January 2011.
Osasuna will be without their key centre back, Flavien Boyomo, due to suspension. This absence may prove critical as they attempt to stop Real Madrid, who have dominated their encounters with an impressive 31-9 head-to-head record. The visitors, however, are not without challenges of their own, as they face a defensive crisis with several players, including Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, sidelined due to injuries. Lucas Vazquez is also unlikely to play due to a knock.
Real Madrid's manager, Carlo Ancelotti, remains focused on the task at hand despite ongoing speculation linking forward Vinicius Jr with a move to Saudi Arabia. Ancelotti expressed his frustration over the rumors but remains optimistic about Vinicius Jr nearing a new contract with the club.
“We are well motivated, and it’s an opportunity to keep the lead, which is our goal,” said Ancelotti.
Real Madrid's recent form is promising, having won their last two cup matches, including a significant 3-2 victory over Manchester City in the Champions League playoff first-leg tie. Ancelotti emphasizes the importance of maintaining this momentum in LaLiga.
“It’s going to be a difficult game, obviously, but we did well in the last game, and I think we have to confirm it,” Ancelotti noted.
Osasuna's recent record against Real Madrid has been less than stellar, with only five wins out of their last 22 matches overall. Moreover, Real Madrid has won 18 out of their last 22 encounters against Osasuna and currently boasts a five-game winning streak against them. Despite these statistics, Osasuna remains hopeful for an upset, buoyed by the performance of Croatian striker Ante Budimir. Budimir has netted 12 goals this season and ranks among the top scorers in the league, trailing only Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Kylian Mbappe.
“He works hard every day and can go in [good or bad] runs of form, but he’s a player who has earned his place, and for us, it’s great he’s putting them away,” said Osasuna's manager Vicente Moreno, acknowledging Budimir's vital role in their attack.
Ancelotti acknowledges the significance of maintaining form and focus as they enter this pivotal period of the season.
“It’s a game where we have to repeat all the good things we have done in the game against City,” he remarked.
The challenge for Osasuna is daunting. Their defensive lineup will be tested against Real Madrid's potent attack, while they themselves look for opportunities to exploit any defensive vulnerabilities due to Madrid's injury woes. Despite the odds stacked against them, Osasuna will aim to leverage home advantage and disrupt Real Madrid's title ambitions.
“The quality of this team is never in doubt – this is the way forward,” Ancelotti asserted confidently.
With both sides motivated by different objectives – Real Madrid to cement their position at the top of LaLiga and Osasuna to break their winless streak against one of Spain's footballing powerhouses – fans can expect an intense battle on the pitch. Ancelotti underscored the urgency and excitement surrounding this critical phase of the campaign.
“This is where the season really starts,” he declared.
