Osasuna vs Real Madrid
It’s now or never for Real Madrid if they are to successfully defend their La Liga crown. With Barcelona seemingly running away with the title because of their hot streak, Real Madrid are in must-win mode from here on out.
Los Blancos are currently in second place with 48 points, eight behind their Catalan counterparts, and they can trim the gap with a win over Osasuna this Saturday.
Osasuna are currently ninth in the La Liga table with 30 points, which is a pleasant surprise since they’ve always been in the bottom half.
The pre-match SBOTOP betting odds back Real Madrid to come away with the victory. However. Osasuna have proven in their last encounter that they are a tough nut to crack, so Real Madrid must bring their A-game to avoid yet another banana peel.
Talking Points
Osasuna continue to punch above their weight
Jagoba Arrasate has come a long way at Osasuna since joining them in 2018, guiding them to a top-half place in the La Liga standings, and they’re also through to the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
Osasuna have never won a top-tier domestic trophy, and they have reasons to believe that they can do it in the Copa del Rey. But first things first, they must focus on La Liga, where they still have a puncher’s chance of making it to Europe for next season.
They’ve only lost once in their last five league matches, but three of them were draws against teams below them in the table.
Los Rojillos are known for thriving in low-scoring affairs, but they shouldn’t be gun-shy against Los Blancos this weekend. During their previous encounter, when Real Madrid took the lead, Osasuna replied a few minutes later, and that will be the key to their success.
The bad news for Osasuna is that Chimy Avila is not available for this one since he’ll serve his suspension. Avila is the team’s leading scorer with seven goals.
With Avila sidelined, Aimar Oroz, Kike Garcia, and Ante Budimir must step up, while Barca loanee Abde Ezzalzouli is going to be their x-factor.
Ezzalzouli, one of Morocco’s heroes during the World Cup, is back from suspension, and he’ll be looking to open his account and make La Liga 2023 highlights at El Sadar.
Karim Benzema might not play for Real Madrid
Karim Benzema recently became second on Real Madrid’s all-time La Liga scoring list, passing Raul Gonzalez in league goals when he netted twice in their 4-0 victory against Elche.
But that tally might not increase this weekend since Benzema is reportedly doubtful to play against Osasuna on Saturday, as he finished the game against Elche with slight discomfort in his leg.
With Real Madrid set to face Liverpool in the Champions League next week, they will not risk their best striker ahead of such an important match.
If Benzema does sit this one out, Vinicius Junior, Fede Valverde, and Rodrygo will have to share the goalscoring duties against Osasuna.
History
Osasuna have not won any of their last 15 La Liga matches against Real Madrid (D5, L10), which is their longest winless run against them in the competition, although they’ve drawn three of their last five meetings against them.
One of those draws happened in their reverse fixture last October. After conceding the first goal from Vinicius Junior, Los Rojillos came back through Kike Garcia’s score, and they held on despite being reduced to 10 players when David Garcia was sent off after 78 minutes.
Real Madrid have won three of their last four away La Liga games at El Sadar (D1) after winning just one of their previous six visits.
Osasuna are the only La Liga team without a single draw at home so far this season after 10 matches (W6, L4).
Betting Tip
The La Liga 2023 odds favour Real Madrid to win, but their margin of error is small this time around.
Compared to before, when they were priced at 1.33 to win, Real Madrid are now at 2.47, and Osasuna have gone up from 8.75 to 4.30. Chances for a draw have also moved from 5.00 to 2.16.
Under 2.75 at 1.63 is also a good bet alongside Total Goal 2-3 at 1.90 since we feel that this is going to be another low-scoring affair.
Having learned the lessons from their last meeting, Real Madrid should do much better and come away with the win, or else the title will slip out of their hands soon.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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