Prediction: Real Madrid vs Osasuna

Verdict: Real Madrid win & under five goals

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Unibet

Desperate to build off of their victory over the weekend, Real Madrid will return to the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday night when they host Osasuna.

Real Madrid

Starting with the hosts, while Real Madrid might have found themselves in the midst of a public struggle earlier in the month, they will undoubtedly be boosted by a derby day victory over the weekend. Eventually managing to land an action-packed 2-1 win away at a struggling Barcelona, there is no doubt that Los Blancos will be desperate to build off of that result. Marking their return from October’s international break with a 5-0 romp against Shakhtar Donetsk on foreign soil, returning boss Carlo Ancelotti has seen his side claim a much-needed boost. Heading into the break with stunning back-to-back 2-1 defeat against Espanyol and Sheriff, the now-former Everton boss is calling on his side to find some stability. Ending the weekend sat just a single point adrift of league leaders Real Sociedad, Madrid have at least extended on their unbeaten domestic run at the Bernabéu. Continuing on from last season, Wednesday’s hosts are unbeaten in each of their last 13 straight La Liga contests in the capital, a run that stems back to the end of January.

Team News

Real Madrid look set to be without both Gareth Bale and midfielder Dani Ceballos once again on Wednesday night.

Likewise, Los Blancos are also sweating over the fitness of Isco, Luka Jovic and Uruguayan international Federico Valverde.

Osasuna

As for the visitors, while Osasuna might have failed to land themselves a top-half finish last season, they have continued to shock many across Spain over the past 18 months. Cementing their spot as one of La Liga’s surprise packages since opening the 2021/22 campaign, Los Rojillos should find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. However, shipping a dramatic last-gasp goal a home against Granada over the weekend and having to settle for a point, there is no doubt that Head Coach Jagoba Arrasate will be demanding a response. Still managing to end the weekend fixtures sat in the top-six, Osasuna have collected 10 points from their last four La Liga outings. More impressive, with some in their camp even dreaming of a remarkable European charge this season, Wednesday’s guests have lost just a single top-flight contest since opening the 2021/22 campaign. However, facing a stern test to the capital in midweek, it should be noted that Los Rojillos have failed to land a victory against the former Spanish champions over the past decade.

Team News

Full-back Jose Angel will be missing in the Spanish capital on Wednesday as he serves a suspension.

Osasuna could also be without the likes of Ante Budimir, Jonas Ramalho and central defender Aridane Hernandez.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last faced off back in May, Real Madrid picked up a 2-0 victory on home soil.
• Likewise, Los Blancos are unbeaten against Osasuna across all formats over the past decade.
• Wednesday’s guests have collected 10 points from their last four La Liga contests.
• Real Madrid are unbeaten in their last 13 La Liga home fixtures continuing on from last season.
• Three of the last four meetings between Madrid and Osasuna have finished with under 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

While Real Madrid might open Wednesday’s meeting as a landslide pick, they could face a rugged test on home soil. Although we do expect Los Blancos to collect maximum points at the Bernabéu in midweek, Osasuna shouldn’t be a simple walk in the park. Despite being left heartbroken over the weekend after watching Granada snatch a last-gasp equalizer, Los Rojillos have continued to gain a host of plaudits from across Spain. Mustering 10 points from their last four La Liga contests, Madrid will know they must put in a professional display. Unbeaten in each of their last 13 top-flight home fixtures continuing on from last season, we’re backing a home win here, even if we don’t back a host of goals.

Verdict: Real Madrid win & under five goals

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Unibet