The stage is set for an electrifying showdown in the Spanish LaLiga as defending champions Real Madrid prepare to face Osasuna at El Sadar Stadium in Pamplona, Spain on Saturday at 9pm (20:00 GMT). Fans can follow the action through Al Jazeera Sport’s live text and photo commentary. Real Madrid, currently atop the LaLiga standings, have a golden opportunity to widen their lead to four points, albeit temporarily, as second-placed Atletico Madrid will face Celta Vigo later in the day. Barcelona, trailing by two points in third place, will take on Rayo Vallecano on Monday. The defending champions, however, are under pressure following a shock defeat at Espanyol and a home draw with Atletico in their last two league outings. Despite these setbacks, Real Madrid’s recent triumphs in cup competitions, including a thrilling 3-2 victory over Manchester City in the Champions League playoff first leg, have bolstered their confidence.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti remains optimistic ahead of the clash with Osasuna. Addressing reporters on Friday, Ancelotti emphasized his team’s motivation and the importance of maintaining their lead. He acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming game but expressed confidence based on their strong performance against Manchester City. “It’s going to be a tough game, obviously, but we did well in the last game, and I think we have to confirm it. The quality of this team is never in doubt – this is the way forward,” Ancelotti said. While he admitted that the season is heating up, he stressed the need to build on recent successes. “This is where the season really starts,” he added. Ancelotti’s words reflect the resilience and determination of a team aiming to stay at the summit of LaLiga.
One player who continues to be in the spotlight is Real Madrid’s forward Vinicius Jr. Recent speculation about a potential move to Saudi Arabia has dominated headlines, but Ancelotti made it clear that he prefers to focus on Vinicius’s on-field contributions rather than address rumors. “So many questions. Am I tired of this topic? Yes. Am I worried? No. Do I see him happy? Yes,” Ancelotti said. He praised Vinicius’s performance, particularly his standout display in the 3-2 win over Manchester City, where he was named player of the match. Despite facing a provocative banner from Manchester City fans suggesting Rodri as a more deserving Ballon d’Or winner, Vinicius remained focused and delivered a career-defining moment. “He has done it very well in the last game,” Ancelotti said, highlighting the player’s dedication and impact on the team.
Osasuna, currently ninth in LaLiga, will be looking to capitalize on Real Madrid’s recent vulnerabilities and pull off an upset. The Pamplona-based side has a reputation for rising to the occasion when facing LaLiga’s giants. Earlier this season, they stunned Barcelona with a 4-2 victory, handing the Catalan club their first league defeat. Croatian striker Ante Budimir has been instrumental for Osasuna, scoring 12 league goals and trailing only Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe in the scoring charts. Budimir, who recently became Osasuna’s record overseas goal scorer, has been in impressive form, netting a brace against Real Sociedad earlier this month to end a nine-game winless streak. His coach, Vicente Moreno, has praised his consistency and work ethic, calling him a “player who has earned his place” and expressing confidence in his ability to continue making an impact.
Osasuna will, however, face a significant challenge without suspended key defender Flavien Boyomo, who has been crucial in their recent performances. Real Madrid, on the other hand, is grappling with defensive injuries, including the absences of Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, who are both ruled out for the remainder of the season. Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba also missed the trip to Manchester City, and Lucas Vazquez is likely to sit out the Osasuna match due to a minor injury. Despite these challenges, Real Madrid enters the game with a strong historical advantage, having won 31 of their 46 previous encounters with Osasuna. The last time Osasuna secured a win against Real Madrid was in January 2011, and Los Blancos have dominated the fixture ever since.
The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams carrying significant momentum and motivation. Real Madrid, determined to solidify their lead and bounce back from recent league setbacks, will face an Osasuna side buoyed by their ability to upset top-tier opposition. The clash at El Sadar Stadium will not only be a test of skill but also a battle of wills, with both teams aiming to make a statement in a tightly contested LaLiga season. Whether Real Madrid can extend their dominance or Osasuna can pull off another shocking victory remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – this is a match that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
