Ladies and gentlemen, gather ‘round because we’ve got a real treat for you today, and I promise it’s not just another case of “football news to be ignored”! We’re diving deep into the melodrama of Spanish football, where Real Madrid, aka Los Blancos, find themselves reeling after two recent heavyweight losses—like a boxer who’s just taken consecutive punches from Mike Tyson and a bus. What’s happening? Let’s break it down like it’s a bad divorce.
Now, the stage is set for a grand theatrical performance at the Santiago Bernabéu, where the crowd will be buzzing, properly dressed in the latest Real Madrid kits—perhaps suspiciously resembling high-end pajamas and definitely not designed for the actual game. They’ll be hoping that Kylian Mbappé and Co. can finally shake off the funk and deliver a performance worthy of their historically glorious lineage—or at the very least, not get beat up by a bunch of Rojillos, aka CA Osasuna!
Speaking of Osasuna, bless their little hearts, they must be feeling quite smug. Here they are, strutting into Madrid, carrying no fear—like someone who just discovered they can’t fit into their last year’s Halloween costume but decided to wear it anyway because, well, “YOLO,” right?
Now let’s highlight some concerns for the mighty whites of Madrid. They’ve been hit hard with injuries lately; Rodrygo is in and out like a bad teenage relationship, and Courtois is stuck on the sidelines like a parent waiting for their teenager to come home from who-knows-where. Looks like they’re bringing a water pistol to a gunfight! If it weren’t for their impressive history against Osasuna—winning the last four fixtures and hardly blinking at the thought of those dreadful past meetings—one might say they were in for a rough night.
In the managerial corner, Carlo Ancelotti is addressing the media like he’s trying to explain world peace to a group of four-year-olds. He’s talking ‘unity’ and ‘motivation’—all great concepts, but let’s face it, everyone in Madrid would settle for a better scoreline over some heartwarming team bonding. And if that means slapping on a motivational montage to pump the players up before they step onto the pitch, then so be it.
As for Osasuna’s co-coach—because who doesn’t love a good co-coach?—Dani Pendín is looking ahead with the confidence of a cat that just knocked over a vase but managed to look adorable while doing it. He’s fully aware of the potential for an upset, pouring on the charm while acknowledging that they’ll have to bring their A-game against a fretting Real Madrid. It’s a treat to have the underdogs show up at the big house, right?
So, strap in folks! This is not just a match; it’s a showdown of epic proportions. A game where one club is coming in off a crisis and the other may just have the audacity to be the spoiler. Whether it’ll be the beginning of a ‘day of resurrection’ for Real Madrid or perhaps a glorious sneak attack victory for the ranks of Osasuna remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure; drama will unfold, and we’ll be here for it, popcorn at the ready, to see whether the royals can reclaim their throne or whether they end the night trudging home, the dress code now fully embarrassing. Cheers!
Preliminary report – It is the third home game in a row and the first small “final” of the young season for Real Madrid: The Royals are under immense pressure to secure a victory against CA Osasuna following two disappointing losses against Barcelona and Milan. Will this match symbolize a turning point for Kylian Mbappé and his teammates, or could it deepen the crisis for Los Blancos? All important details about the 13th matchday (Saturday, 2 p.m.).
The initial situation
- After the double shock in the Clásico and against Milan in the Champions League, Real Madrid faces a critical challenge: As part of the 13th LaLiga matchday, the Royals will host CA Osasuna at the iconic Estadio Santiago Bernabéu (Saturday, 2 p.m., in REAL TOTAL-Live ticker and at DAZN). The humiliating 0:4 defeat against Barça was a substantial blow to the reigning Spanish champions, but the 1:3 loss in the Champions League was even more damaging, creating a palpable tension in the squad. In the forthcoming weeks, both in the Primera División and in European competitions, Los Blancos must steer clear of throwing the season away during the group stage. The clash against the unexpectedly strong fifth-placed team from Pamplona is being viewed as a make-or-break situation for Carlo Ancelotti and his players. The gap to league leaders Barcelona currently stands at a daunting nine points – although Real Madrid has one game in hand due to a recent postponement caused by a natural disaster in Spain – and it cannot increase further in this crucial part of the season. Thus, securing a win is imperative, and the frustrated Bernabéu faithful will closely scrutinize the team’s performance after the dismal outings recently.
- However, based on the season so far, Osasuna has proven to be a formidable opponent, as last year’s eleventh-placed team has enjoyed a strong start to the season and finds itself in fifth position justifiably. The squad, under the guidance of new coach Vicente Moreno, has already delivered an upset by defeating FC Barcelona, marking the Catalans’ only loss of the season thus far. Real Madrid has historically dominated this matchup; they have triumphed in the last four encounters against Osasuna, including their victory in the Copa del Rey final for the 2022/23 season. The last time the Royals fell to the team from Navarre was nearly 14 years ago – on January 30, 2011, when Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat in Pamplona, while the last home loss to Osasuna dates back to 2004. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised as the “Rojillos” managed to secure a point on two occasions in the last four meetings held in Madrid. Ante Budimir, known for his aerial prowess (six goals, one assist), and Bayern loanee Bryan Zaragoza (one goal, five assists) come into this match in superb form.
Personnel and expected lineup
- In terms of injuries, the situation remains challenging for Real Madrid. Rodrygo Goes is reported to be recovering, but yet another key player has been sidelined: Aurélien Tchouaméni has sustained a sprained left ankle during the Champions League clash against Milan, ruling him out for several weeks. Additionally, Thibaut Courtois will miss this game against Osasuna; the Belgian goalkeeper is expected to return on the next matchday, November 24th, against Leganés, paving the way for Andriy Lunin to step in between the posts. Long-term absentees David Alaba and Daniel Carvajal continue to be unavailable. On a more positive note, Federico Valverde, who was substituted at half-time last week due to back issues, has been included in the squad and is likely to start. Moreover, a central defender from the B team, Raúl Asencio, has been called up.
The voices for the game
Carlo Ancelotti (Head Coach Real Madrid): “We have of course spoken and are trying to assess the situation with the players. We believe we’ve identified a potential solution, but that is merely theoretical. Today’s performance is crucial; we must show a different aspect than in our last two outings. The team appears united and motivated, fully aware of the current situation. (…) It’s important to confront reality; we have suffered two consecutive losses. Now it’s time for us to change our approach. We must transform our words into actions. (…) Osasuna is performing exceptionally well, achieving a commendable position in the league table, playing well with a strong momentum. We view this match as an excellent opportunity to rectify our course and emerge from this tough period. It can be a chance to secure a victory tomorrow.”
Dani Pendín (Co-Trainer CA Osasuna): “We have started the season remarkably well and are currently on a good run. Our recent victory in San Sebastián came after a challenging encounter. Despite our victory against Valladolid, the scoreline does not accurately reflect our dominance. We need to ensure a sound performance across all aspects and cannot underestimate Real Madrid simply due to their current predicament because they are an exceptional team, and we recognize the challenge they present. They are distinguished by their rapid transitions, dominating possession in the opponent’s half, and excelling in set-piece execution. These details are crucial for our strategy.”
Statistics and special features
- OVERALL BALANCE SHEET: Real Madrid and CA Osasuna have faced each other 85 times historically – apart from the Copa final in May 2023, all previous matches were held in LaLiga. The Spanish record champions hold a significant advantage with 53 wins, 19 draws, and 13 losses, boasting a goal differential of 186:81 in their favor. The home record against Osasuna also heavily favors Real, who have recorded 34 wins, seven draws, and just two losses.
- GELB-ALARM: Vinícius Júnior has already been cautioned four times this season, and another warning would render him ineligible for the next match against promoted Leganés.
- GOODBYE: This match will hold special significance for Osasuna’s Lucas Torró, who had an early career stint with Real Madrid’s U19 team, where he played for a year, followed by 52 appearances for Castilla. The former Canterano has been a vital figure for Osasuna, starting all twelve games this season and contributing two goals.
**Interview with Football Analyst on the Current Situation of Real Madrid and CA Osasuna**
**Interviewer**: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome! Today we have a special Alex Reed, a football analyst who has been following La Liga closely, to help us unpack the dramatic situation enveloping Real Madrid and their upcoming match against CA Osasuna. Welcome to the show!
**Analyst**: Thank you for having me! There’s so much to talk about, especially with the current pressures at Real Madrid.
**Interviewer**: Let’s dive right in. Real Madrid has suffered some heavy losses recently. What do you think this means for the team’s morale and overall season?
**Analyst**: Well, you’re absolutely right. The recent defeats against Barcelona and AC Milan have sent shockwaves through the club. It’s not just about the scorelines; it’s the manner of the defeats. A 0-4 loss to a rival like Barcelona is demoralizing, and compounded by a loss in the Champions League, it creates palpable tension within the squad. They’re at a crossroads, and this match against Osasuna feels like a pivotal moment for them.
**Interviewer**: Speaking of the match, how critical is it for Real Madrid to secure a win against Osasuna in this context?
**Analyst**: It’s absolutely crucial. This is not just another game; it’s a potential turning point. If Real Madrid fails to win here, they risk falling further behind in La Liga and potentially facing a crisis in confidence. The fans expect a strong response, especially playing at Santiago Bernabéu. It’s vital for the players to deliver a performance that reaffirms their quality and tradition.
**Interviewer**: There is also the issue of injuries plaguing the squad. How significantly do you think injuries like Rodrygo’s and Courtois’ absence will impact their performance?
**Analyst**: Injuries are definitely a concern. Rodrygo’s inconsistency due to injury has been likened to a bad teenage relationship, and you can’t underestimate the absence of Courtois. He’s a world-class goalkeeper and a leader on the pitch. Without him, they might feel exposed defensively. The team will have to lean on their depth, but right now, that depth is being tested.
**Interviewer**: Now on the flip side, Osasuna has been performing surprisingly well lately. What are their chances coming into this match?
**Analyst**: Osasuna is coming in with a lot of momentum. They’ve already pulled off upsets, most notably against Barcelona. Their co-coach, Dani Pendín, is instilling confidence in the squad; they’ll be eager to go into the Bernabéu and show their capabilities. There’s no fear for them in this matchup. If they can capitalize on Los Blancos’ fragility, they could very well leave with a point or more.
**Interviewer**: With Carlo Ancelotti emphasizing unity and motivation, do you think these words can translate into actions on the pitch?
**Analyst**: That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Ancelotti is well-respected, and players typically respond to him. However, these are high-pressure situations where words may not be enough. The players must channel this frustration and motivation into a cohesive performance. If not, it could lead to even more unrest.
**Interviewer**: As we gear up for the match, what do you think will be the key to a Real Madrid victory?
**Analyst**: For Real Madrid, it starts with solidifying the defense. They cannot afford to make mistakes, especially with a makeshift backline. Offensively, they need their stars, like Kylian Mbappé, to step up and create opportunities. Fluidity and creativity will be key. If they can score early and relieve some pressure, it might kick-start a much-needed return to form.
**Interviewer**: Thank you so much for your insights today! As we watch this match unfold, fans can expect a mix of high drama and the potential for a historic upset—it’s going to be an exciting matchup!
**Analyst**: Absolutely! Should be a thrilling encounter, and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds. Thanks for having me!
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