Real Madrid Aims to Bounce Back Against Osasuna in Crucial La Liga Match

Real Madrid is set to host Osasuna in a critical La Liga match on Saturday, November 9, as they seek to recover from a string of disappointing results. The defending Spanish and European champions have suffered successive losses to Barcelona and AC Milan, exacerbating the frustration at the Santiago Bernabeu. This match is pivotal for Carlo Ancelotti‘s team, which is currently nine points behind league leaders Barcelona, although they have a game in hand[3][5][6].

The match against Osasuna, who are in fifth place with 21 points from their first 12 matches, promises to be a challenging encounter. Osasuna have made an impressive start to the season, including a 4-2 win over Barcelona earlier in the campaign. They have also won their last three games, keeping clean sheets in victories over Real Sociedad, Real Valladolid, and Copa del Rey opponents Chiclana[3][4][6].

Real Madrid will be without several key players due to injuries. Aurelien Tchouameni is out with an ankle injury and is expected to be sidelined for the next month. Federico Valverde, who was taken off at half-time against Milan with a minor back issue, is expected to recover in time for the match. However, David Alaba, Thibaut Courtois, and Dani Carvajal remain in the treatment room[3][6].

Despite these absences, Real Madrid is expected to field a strong lineup, with Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, and the returning Rodrygo likely to start together. The predicted lineup includes Lunin in goal, a defense of Vazquez, Militao, Rudiger, and Mendy, and a midfield of Valverde, Camavinga, and Bellingham[3][5][6].

Osasuna, on the other hand, have no injury concerns and are expected to field a similar lineup to the one that has been successful in recent matches. Ante Budimir, who has six goals this season, will be a key figure for the visitors, supported by Bayern Munich loanee Bryan Zaragoza, who has contributed a goal and five assists in La Liga[3][5][6].

Predictions suggest that Real Madrid will secure a vital three points, although the match is expected to be closely contested. The psychological edge of being unbeaten in 18 games against Osasuna (13 wins and five draws) could play in Real Madrid’s favor, but Osasuna’s current form makes them a formidable opponent[4][6].