Match Preview: Osasuna Vs Real Madrid

After cruising to victory over Celta Vigo in Copa Del Rey, Real Madrid are now looking for their next victory in La Liga at Osasuna this weekend. Here are some points to be discussed before this match:

1. Real Madrid’s form

If we see Real Madrid’s form this season, it is not appreciable. We have to say that the team has been taking opponents lightly. They drew with Valencia 1-1 in their first match, then lost the second to Getafe 2-1, drew with Barca and Espanyol (both 2-2), lost to Sevilla 1-0, Betis 1-0, Malaga 3-2. Their form is now looking back on track, but still, they should not take Osasuna lightly.

2. No Ronaldo, no Ramos

It is now tough time for Los Blancos as their two star players, Ronaldo and Ramos, are sidelined due to suspensions. Ronaldo has picked up 5 yellow cards and will not play in this match. Ramos received a red card in the Copa Del Rey match against Celta Vigo but he will not feature because of the five-match ban handed to him by the Spanish Football Federations for abusing the referee. This means Real’s defense will be weak and their attack will suffer. Arbeloa, Varane, Carvalho and Essien will complete the defence line and Higuain is likely to take Ronaldo’s place.

3. Weak Defense

Real has been facing defense issues since the start of the season and the problems are not over yet. First, Marcelo got injured and was sidelined, then Fabio Coentrao got injured. Coentrao came back but was again sidelined due to a thigh injury. Then Pepe got injured and was out for almost a month. Now, Sergio Ramos is also not in the defense. Though Coentrao is back in training, it is confirmed he will not play this match.

4. Where is Alonso?

Xabi Alonso will not be able to perform in this match due to a neck injury he suffered during the Copa Del Rey match against Celta Vigo. This can also prove dangerous for Real Madrid as he is considered as the backbone of the team. Though Ozil and Modric will be active, it is sure that they cannot do what Alonso does.

5. Mourinho and Casillas

It will be interesting to watch Casillas in the first team after Mourinho benched him for the 3-2 defeat to Malaga and the 4-3 victory over Real Sociedad. The Spaniard is now getting a chance to prove Mourinho wrong. He has to put his best to lead his team to victory with a clean sheet. Mourinho had previously stated that Adan is in better form than Casillas, and benched him for 2 matches. Now, Casillas is back on the pitch, after a clean sheet win over Celta Vigo in the Copa Del Rey. Let’s see what San Iker has in store for us!