Best Odds: 13/8
Bookmaker:
Looking to extend on their recent flurry this weekend, Real Madrid will welcome Osasuna to the Spanish capital on Saturday afternoon.
Real Madrid
Starting with the hosts, while Real Madrid might have come under plenty of scrutiny last month as they were hit with an infamous 3-1 loss at the hands of bitter local rivals Atletico, Los Blancos have come roaring back in some style. Making it back-to-back Champions League victories earlier in the week as they claimed a 3-2 win against reigning Italian champions Napoli, Carlo Ancelotti’s men will be smelling the chance to lay down another marker here. With their sights firmly set on snatching back their La Liga crown this season, the former AC Milan boss has seen his superstar squad win each of their previous three appearances across all competitions have finished with 8-2. Opening up this weekend’s fixtures holding a one-point buffer at the top of the table, Real Madrid have also won 10 of their first 11 showdowns since opening the 2023/24 campaign.
Team News
Once again missing out away at Napoli earlier in the week after picking up a recent muscle injury, Real Madrid are still sweating over the fitness of David Alaba here. Likewise, Los Blancos will be unable to call upon the likes of Thiabut Courtois, Eder Militao and summer recruit Arda Guler.
Finding the net in Italy a few days ago and already notching eight goals across all competitions, England international Jude Bellingham will have a key role to play on Saturday afternoon.
Osasuna
As for the visitors, managing to make a welcomed return to winning ways last weekend as they claimed a 2-0 victory away at Alaves, Osasuna will be desperate to use that performance as a platform to build on. However, while Jagoba Arrasate’s side might have drawn a line under their six-match winless run last time out, the Navarre-based outfit have struggled to find much stability since opening the new campaign. Despite gaining a string of plaudits last season as they landed a seventh-place finish among Spain’s elite, Saturday’s guests will know that they face a heavyweight challenge here. Hit with a 2-1 defeat when they last travelled to the capital back on May 7th, Osasuna should be worried by a nightmare record against the title contenders. In fact, Los Rojillos have failed to muster a single victory against Real Madrid since way back in January 2011.
Team News
Shown a straight red card against Atletico Madrid on September 28th, Osasuna will once again be without the suspended Chimy Avila when they travel to the capital this weekend. Likewise, still dealing with a long-term knee injury and yet to make a single appearance this season, Unai Garcia still remains on the sidelines.
Finding the net in last weekend’s 2-0 victory against Alaves and bagging his second La Liga strike of the season, former Mallorca striker Ante Budimir should be handed a full recall on Saturday afternoon.
Key Factors to Consider
