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Rabat – Real Madrid visit Osasuna at El Sadar in La Liga today. The match comes as  Madrid lead the league table with 60 points, just two ahead of Barcelona, who slipped after a 2-1 loss to Girona. 

Mbappe and co. arrive confident after beating Benfica in the first leg of the Champions League playoffs.

Osasuna, meanwhile, sit 10th with 30 points.  They’ve been solid at home and will look to keep the game tight early, hoping to frustrate Madrid and push for a good result.

Match Details

  • Fixture: Osasuna vs Real Madrid
  • Competition: Spanish La Liga (Round 25)
  • Venue: Estadio El Sadar, Pamplona
  • Kick-off: 5:30 (local)

How to watch: beIN SPORTS (MENA) | ESPN Deportes / ESPN+ (USA)

Real Madrid Team News

Injuries/Suspensions:  Real Madrid face a new setback in defense. Dean Huijsen is out with a calf muscle injury, confirmed by the club’s medical report. Arbeloa will need to adjust at center-back, especially with the Benfica return leg coming soon.

Returns/Doubts: Huijsen’s absence is the main late blow. The rest of the squad looks stable, and Madrid are expected to rotate carefully but still field a strong team with the title race so close.

Recent Form: Madrid have been on an excellent run in the league, winning consistently to stay top. They also hold the best defensive record in La Liga this season, conceding only 19 goals in 24 matches. Tonight will test their depth at the back, especially after Huijsen’s injury.

Key Players: The midfield trio of Valverde, Tchouaméni, and Camavinga have been strong and will be vital in controlling the game at El Sadar. 

Up front, Mbappe and Vinicius are in top form. Vinicius has regained his spark under Arbeloa, while Mbappe leads La Liga with 23 goals and returns after missing the last league match against Real Sociedad.

Real Madrid Likely XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Rudiger, Asensio, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Camavinga; Guller; Mbappé, Vinícius. 

Osasuna Team News

Injuries/Suspensions:  Osasuna are without Iker Benito (knee) and Enzo Boyomo (muscle), but the rest of the squad is in good shape.

Recent Form / Situation:  They sit 10th in the table and rely on organization and intensity. At home, the crowd often helps them shift momentum.

Key Players:  Ante Budimir is their main threat in attack, especially on set pieces. Moncayola and the midfield runners will look to break Madrid’s build-up and force mistakes.

Osasuna Likely XI: Herrera; Rosier, Catena, Herrando, Galán; Moncayola, Torró; Rubén García, Aimar Oroz, Moi Gómez; Budimir. 

What to Expect

Real Madrid will most likely control possession, while Osasuna’s plan will be to stay compact, make it physical, and look for counters or set pieces. 

Huijsen’s injury limits Madrid’s options in central defense, so Osasuna will likely test whoever partners with Rudiger with early balls into the box and second-phase pressure.

Vinicius and Mbappe’s pace will be vital to break Osasuna’s defense. A fast start and an early goal could open the game. If Madrid fail to score first, the game will become tough, especially with the crucial Champions League return leg against Benfica coming on Wednesday.

Safe Bets

Real Madrid to Win: They are the League leaders with momentum, even with one defensive absence.

Under 3.5 Goals: Osasuna usually slow the tempo and keep home games tight.

Mbappe to score: likely

Prediction: Real Madrid 2-0 Osasuna

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