Real Madrid vs Osasuna
La Liga
Saturday
7th October 2023
Santiago Bernabeu
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the gameweek nine La Liga fixture between Real Madrid and Osasuna.
Real Madrid vs Osasuna: Preview
Real Madrid form analysis
Los Blancos began September needing a late Bellingham goal to beat Getafe 2-1 at home. They then came from behind to edge past Real Sociedad 2-1 thanks to goals from Valverde and Joselu. However, defensive issues surfaced in a 1-3 home loss in the derby against Atletico, with only Kroos on target. Real did bounce back to comfortably beat Las Palmas 2-0 courtesy of goals from Vazquez and Joselu. They built on that momentum with an assured 3-0 win away at Girona last time out, sealed by strikes from Joselu, Tchouameni and Bellingham.
Overall, it’s been an up and down start for Real as Carlo Ancelotti integrates their new signings. They’ve showcased attacking threat through the likes of Joselu and Bellingham. But Los Blancos have uncharacteristically struggled defensively, highlighted in the Atletico defeat. If Ancelotti can restore greater solidity to complement their danger going forward, Real still have the quality to defend their La Liga title this term. But tightening up at the back is crucial after this inconsistent spell.
Osasuna form analysis
Osasuna began September with a tight 1-2 home loss to Barcelona, equalizing through Avila before Lewandowski’s late penalty. Defensive struggles continued as they lost 3-2 away at Getafe despite leading through Munoz and Budimir’s penalty. Osasuna then managed to stop the rot with a 0-0 home draw against Sevilla, earning a point. However, their issues at the back resurfaced in a 0-2 home defeat to Atletico, failing to create much. Most recently, Osasuna returned to winning ways with a 0-2 victory away at Alaves sealed by goals from Arnaiz and Budimir.
Overall, it’s been an inconsistent spell for Osasuna as they alternate between strong and poor defensive performances. They’ve shown they can threaten in attack through the likes of Budimir and Avila. But conceding 11 goals in their last 5 games is a worry Jagoba Arrasate must address. If Osasuna can build on resilient displays like against Sevilla and cut out individual errors, they can still enjoy a strong season. But tightening up defensively is essential after this erratic spell.
