Osasuna – Real Madrid: 2-Point Battle for La Liga Top

Real Madrid travels to El Sadar to face Osasuna in a critical La Liga clash. Can Los Blancos protect their slim lead over Barcelona? Preview, lineups, and TV info here.

The white noise of European controversy (Osasuna – Real Madrid) has finally faded, and for Real Madrid, the focus is razor-sharp once again. This weekend, the league leaders head to one of Spain’s most intimidating venues—El Sadar—to take on a gritty Osasuna side that has made their home a fortress. With just two points separating them from a hungry Barcelona, this isn’t just another fixture; it’s a potential trap that could flip the La Liga title race on its head.

Following a week dominated by headlines regarding the UEFA Champions League clash against Benfica—specifically the alleged racist abuse directed at Vinícius Júnior—the Madrid camp is rallying together. The solidarity shown in the locker room has been palpable. Coach Arbeloa recently emphasized the unity of his squad, stating his pride in how the team protected their teammate amidst the chaos. That brotherhood will be essential as they step onto a pitch where they have historically struggled to find comfort.

The Fortress of El Sadar

If you look at the La Liga table, you might see Osasuna sitting comfortably in tenth place with 30 points, seemingly with little to play for except pride. But pride at El Sadar is a dangerous weapon. The Rojillos haven’t tasted defeat at home since late November—a staggering run that spans over two months. Their last stumble? A loss to Real Sociedad. Since then, they have turned their stadium into a lion’s den, capable of swallowing even the most polished title contenders whole.

For Real Madrid, breaking that streak is non-negotiable. With Barcelona breathing down their necks (60 points to Barça’s 58), a slip-up here isn’t just a loss of two points; it’s an invitation for the Catalans to pounce.

The Return of the Stars

Injury concerns have plagued the Merengues recently, with Jude Bellingham, Militão, and Rodrygo still on the recovery track. However, the news isn’t all grim. The return of defensive powerhouse Alexander-Arnold and the electric Kylian Mbappé has injected fresh energy into the squad. Both players showed flashes of brilliance mid-week, and their presence on the pitch at El Sadar could be the difference-maker in breaking down a stubborn Osasuna defense.

Real Madrid knows the math is simple: win, and maintain the status quo. Lose or draw, and the pressure mounts exponentially.

Match Details: Osasuna vs Real Madrid

• Competition: La Liga, Matchday 25
• Fixture: Osasuna vs Real Madrid
• Date: Saturday, February 21
• Time: 12:30 PM ET / 9:30 AM PT
• Venue: El Sadar
• Where to Watch:
  • USA: ESPN Deportes
  • Mexico: Sky Sports
  • International: Check local La Liga broadcasters

Projected Lineups

Osasuna (4-3-3)

Sergio Herrera; Valentin Rosier, Alejandro Catena, Jorge Herrando, Javi Galán; Lucas Torró, Jon Moncayola, Aimar Oroz; Rubén García, Víctor Muñoz, Ante Budimir.

Real Madrid (4-3-3)

Thibaut Courtois; Dani Carvajal, Raúl Asencio, David Alaba, Álvaro Carreras; Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga; Arda Güler, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior.

The Bottom Line

This is the kind of match that defines championships. It’s not about the flashy wins against top-tier rivals; it’s about surviving the cold, windy nights in stadiums like El Sadar against a team that fights for every blade of grass. If Real Madrid can weather the early storm and find a moment of magic from the returning Mbappé or the resilient Vinícius, they walk away with a massive victory. If they falter, the title race tightens up in a way no one in white wants to imagine.