Real Madrid welcome Osasuna to the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 1:00 PM UK time, in a critical fixture for the reigning Spanish and European champions. Following back-to-back losses at home to Barcelona and AC Milan, Los Blancos are under pressure to deliver, while Osasuna arrive in high spirits, occupying fifth place in La Liga.
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Match Significance
Currently second in La Liga, Real Madrid sit nine points behind leaders Barcelona, albeit with a game in hand. With Barcelona in superb form, any slip-ups could severely damage Madrid’s title hopes. Carlo Ancelotti’s position is being scrutinised following a 4-0 loss to Barcelona and a 3-1 Champions League defeat to Milan. The postponed fixture against Valencia due to severe flooding means Madrid now have the chance to close the gap with Barcelona, but a win is crucial to maintain realistic title ambitions.
Osasuna are enjoying an impressive season, currently fifth in the league with 21 points from 12 games. Vicente Moreno’s side have shown resilience and defensive solidity, winning their last two La Liga games against Real Sociedad and Real Valladolid. Osasuna have held Real Madrid to draws in two of their last three trips to the Bernabeu and will be seeking a famous result to add pressure to an already tense atmosphere in Madrid.
Team Analysis
Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s lineup will be affected by the recent ankle injury to Aurelien Tchouameni, ruling him out for at least a month. His absence joins a growing injury list that includes Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, and David Alaba. Federico Valverde, who picked up a back issue in the Milan game, is expected to be available and should start in midfield. Rodrygo could return to the starting lineup after coming off the bench against Milan, while Eduardo Camavinga is likely to take Tchouameni’s place.
Key Players: Kylian Mbappe’s impact has been somewhat muted, but his presence on the left flank remains crucial. Jude Bellingham’s midfield creativity and Valverde’s versatility will also be key in breaking down Osasuna’s defensive setup.
Osasuna
Osasuna enter this fixture in strong form and with a fully-fit squad, which allows Moreno to field his preferred starting XI. The experienced Ante Budimir, with six goals already this season, will lead the attack, supported by Bryan Zaragoza and Ruben Pena. Midfielder Jon Moncayola and forward Raul Garcia add depth and creativity to a well-organised unit that excels in soaking up pressure and hitting on the counter.
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Key Players: Ante Budimir’s eye for goal and the playmaking ability of Moncayola in midfield are essential to Osasuna’s approach. Zaragoza’s pace on the wings will also be instrumental in exploiting any spaces left by Real Madrid’s attacking setup.
Predicted Lineups:
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Lunin; Vazquez, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius
Osasuna (4-3-3): Herrera; Areso, Catena, Boyomo, Cruz; Moncayola, Torro, Oroz; Pena, Budimir, Zaragoza
Head-to-Head and Form
Real Madrid have dominated this fixture historically, although Osasuna have managed draws in two of their last three visits to the Bernabeu. Osasuna’s last win at this venue in La Liga came in 2004, making Madrid heavy favourites. Madrid’s recent form, however, suggests vulnerability, and Osasuna’s robust defence may be difficult to break down.
Betting Tips and Predictions
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Osasuna
Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Real Madrid 2-1 Osasuna.
Justification: Although Real Madrid are under pressure, their attacking depth should be sufficient to secure a narrow victory. Osasuna’s resilience means they are likely to keep the game tight, but Madrid’s firepower may be the deciding factor.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes. Real Madrid’s defensive frailties and Osasuna’s effective counter-attacks make this a likely outcome.
Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5. Madrid’s goal-scoring potential and recent defensive lapses could lead to a goal-filled encounter.
First Goal Scorer: Kylian Mbappe. Despite his struggles, Mbappe’s positioning and finishing make him a strong candidate to open the scoring.
Hot Stat: Real Madrid are unbeaten in their last 20 league games against Osasuna at the Bernabeu.
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