La Liga: How to watch Osasuna vs Real Madrid live on February 18, 2023

Topics: TV Schedules, TV Listings, La Liga, Real Madrid, Osasuna

Real Madrid will look to gain some grounds on league leaders Barcelona by getting a favorable result in the weekend's tough test at Osasuna.

On Saturday night, Osasuna will host Real Madrid at Estadio El Sadar, as Los Blancos aim to put pressure on their title rivals Barcelona.

With eight wins, six draws, and seven defeats from 21 games, Osasuna are currently in ninth position with 30 points. Although they are only three points behind sixth-placed Rayo Vallecano in the race for European football, they have only won one of their last eight games, which was against Mallorca at home in the middle of last month.

Los Rojillos have drawn three of their last four La Liga matches, including a 0-0 draw with Real Valladolid last weekend. To be serious challengers for the top six, Jagoba Arrasate's men will need to start winning more matches. After the weekend's encounter, they have two important matches against Sevilla and Celta Vigo.

Relatively, Real Madrid's title defence is becoming increasingly difficult with each passing matchday. Before leaving for the FIFA Club World Cup campaign in Morocco earlier this month, Los Blancos suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Mallorca in La Liga.

However, they returned to winning ways on Wednesday, scoring four unanswered goals against Elche. If Real Madrid secures a victory against Osasuna this weekend, the gap with Barcelona will become five points.

Ancelotti's team cannot afford many more slip-ups if they are to have a chance of retaining the title this season, especially as Barcelona will play on Sunday. However, it won't be easy as Real Madrid was held to a 1-1 draw by Osasuna at Bernabeu in October. Still, the omen remains in favor of Real Madrid as they have not lost to Osasuna since January 2011.

Key stats: Osasuna vs Real Madrid

Osasuna have only managed to win five out of their last 39 matches against Real Madrid, who have won 25 of those games. Madrid has maintained a stronghold over Osasuna, winning their last 15 league encounters, the longest winless streak for Osasuna against Madrid in the competition's history.
Real Madrid have also won three of their last four away matches against Osasuna in La Liga.
Osasuna has played ten league matches at El Sadar this season, and remarkably, they are the only team in La Liga yet to record a home draw this season.

Team News: Osasuna vs Real Madrid

Ahead of their upcoming match, Osasuna will have to contend with the absence of Aimar Oroz, Ruben Pena, and Nacho Vidal, all due to injuries. Ezequiel Avila and Juan Cruz are also ineligible to play against Real Madrid as they will be serving a suspension. However, they will be boosted by the return of Abde Ezzalzouli, who has completed his ban.

On the other side, Real Madrid can count on the return of Vinicius Junior, who has also completed his suspension. Meanwhile, Eden Hazard has recovered from his knee injury and is back in the squad, although Ferland Mendy is still out with a hamstring injury. Unfortunately, Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema will not be available for selection.