Current league leaders Real Madrid, under Carlo Ancelotti, travel to Osasuna this Saturday, aiming to secure three crucial points and stay ahead of Atlético and Barça. Before kick-off, the official Madrid starting XI has been revealed.
After their remarkable performance at the Etihad Stadium last Tuesday in the first leg of their Champions League play-off against Manchester City, Real Madrid now face the ninth-placed team in La Liga in an away fixture. The objective is clear: a victory to maintain their lead in the standings and boost confidence ahead of the second-leg showdown against Pep Guardiola’s Citizens. Having arrived in Pamplona on Friday evening, Carlo Ancelotti and his men must be wary of Osasuna, a team looking for their first victory over Los Merengues since 2011.
Osasuna have won just one of their last five league games (1 win, 3 draws, 1 defeat) but remain the fifth-best home side in La Liga, having suffered only two losses in 12 matches. Their goalkeeper, Sergio Herrera, boasts the second-best save percentage per match in the league. This Saturday’s clash against Madrid promises to be a tough battle.
Real Madrid’s starting XI
With Rüdiger, Alaba, and Lucas Vázquez sidelined until Monday to prepare for next Wednesday’s Champions League showdown, the Madrid coach has opted for a defensive line featuring Fran García, Raúl Asensio, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Federico Valverde. Apart from Ferland Mendy, who is resting, the same defensive setup that faced City at the Etihad is retained, with Thibaut Courtois guarding the goal as usual.
In midfield, Eduardo Camavinga replaces Dani Ceballos. Alongside him, Luka Modrić and Jude Bellingham will be responsible for controlling the tempo and supplying quality passes to the forwards. In excellent form in recent weeks, Ceballos starts on the bench, awaiting his return to full competition next week against Manchester City.
Completing the starting eleven, Vinícius Júnior, Brahim Díaz, and Kylian Mbappé lead the attack. This afternoon, Ancelotti has decided to keep Rodrygo Goes on the bench. Against Osasuna, Madrid’s attacking trio will be expected to deliver a strong performance while avoiding injuries ahead of their crucial fixtures. Here is Real Madrid’s full line-up:
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Defenders: Fran García, Raúl Asensio, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde
Midfielders: Dani Ceballos, Luka Modrić, Jude Bellingham
Forwards: Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo Goes, Kylian Mbappé
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