Real Madrid will look to stretch their perfect record in all competitions since the start of the season as they return to action against Osasuna in Matchday 7 of La Liga.
Los Blancos has the upper hand in this upcoming fixture after dismantling their rivals Atletico Madrid in their previous match while the visitors suffered a 2-0 defeat to Getafe in their last league outing.
Preview
Carlo Ancelotti will have the talismanic Karim Benzema back on the squad list who is expected to start from the bench. The attacking trio of Fede Valverde, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo will look to continue their fine run of form after their exemplary outing in the Madrid Derby.
Real Madrid have scored at least two goals in each of their fixtures this season across all competitions and will look to continue their quintessential goalscoring form but at the same time, Real’s defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed owing them clean sheets in most of their wins.
Meanwhile, the visitors enjoyed an upright start to the season, sitting fifth in the league standings but the defeat to Getafe has left a bitter taste.
Despite their frailties in their last league fixture, they came back with a win, scoring two goals against Real Valladolid in a friendly match during the International Break.
Osasuna have managed to hold Real Madrid to two 0-0 draws in the last two seasons. But they have now gone 16 games without a win against the champions in all competitions since edging 1-0 in January 2011.
What to expect?
Real Madrid is expected to dominate possession as well as set the tempo of the game with the like of Toni Kroos starting. Luka Modric will be out of this match due to a muscle overload and Real’s sufferings are well known when the Croatian is absent. As Benzema is in contention to come on from the bench, the trio of Vini, Rodrygo and Valverde will need to establish a strong start in order to reduce the strain on the recovering Frenchman.
Osasuna have worked hard to sit fifth place and they always set up quite the force to destabilize the opponent’s midfield. Jagoba Arrasate will need to orchestrate his men to keep their cool after a hot-tempered clash against Getafe.
Prediction: REAL MADRID 2-0 OSASUNA
