Osasuna vs Real Madrid
Today's Matches
Preview: Osasuna vs. Real Madrid – League Leaders Face "El Sadar" Litmus Test
Match: CA Osasuna vs. Real Madrid CF
Date: February 21, 2026
Venue: Estadio El Sadar, Pamplona
Kick-off: 11:00 PM IST (5:30 PM local)
The race for the La Liga title reaches a fever pitch tonight as Real Madrid travels to Pamplona. Currently sitting two points clear of Barcelona at the summit, Alvaro Arbeloa’s side is looking for their ninth consecutive league victory. However, standing in their way is an Osasuna side enjoying their best form of the season, unbeaten in their last six matches.
The Storylines
1. Arbeloa’s Real Madrid: The Ruthless Leaders
Real Madrid has been a machine in 2026. Since Arbeloa took the reins, the team has embraced a high-intensity, fluid attacking style. They enter this match fresh off a crucial 1–0 Champions League win over Benfica. With a slender lead over Barcelona, Los Blancos cannot afford a slip-up. Their away form has been particularly lethal, scoring 24 goals in their last 11 official matches on the road.
2. Osasuna’s Fortress El Sadar
Osasuna has climbed from 15th to 10th since mid-January, thanks to a revitalized squad. Recent signings like Javi Galán and Valentin Rosier have added much-needed steel and creativity. The Navarrese side hasn’t lost at El Sadar since November, and they have a history of making life miserable for the "Big Two" in front of their raucous home fans.
3. The "Ghost" of Jude Bellingham
Real Madrid continues to navigate a difficult injury spell. The absence of Jude Bellingham (hamstring) until April has forced Arda Güler into a more prominent creative role. While Güler has excelled—ranking 3rd in the league for big chances created—the lack of Bellingham's late-box arrivals changes how Madrid breaks down deep-lying defenses.
Team News
CA Osasuna: The hosts are missing Flavien Boyomo and Iker Benito. However, they welcome back Víctor Muñoz, who is expected to start in the attacking trident behind veteran striker Ante Budimir.
Real Madrid: Dean Huijsen is the latest casualty, ruled out with a calf injury. He joins Bellingham, Éder Militão, and likely Rodrygo (doubtful) on the sidelines. Raul Asencio is expected to return to the heart of the defense.
Key Player Matchup
Ante Budimir (OSA) vs. Antonio Rüdiger (RMA)
Budimir is in inspired form, having scored 11 league goals this season, including several match-winners during this unbeaten streak. Rüdiger will need to be at his physical best to prevent the Croatian from dominating the air, especially during Osasuna's dangerous set-piece routines.
Predicted Lineups
| CA Osasuna (4-2-3-1) | Real Madrid (4-4-2 Diamond) |
| GK: Sergio Herrera | GK: Thibaut Courtois |
| DF: Rosier, Herrando, Catena, Javi Galán | DF: Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Rüdiger, Carreras |
| MID: Lucas Torró, Iker Muñoz | MID: Tchouaméni, Valverde, Camavinga, Arda Güler |
| ATT: Rubén García, Aimar Oroz, Víctor Muñoz | ATT: Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior |
| ST: Ante Budimir | ST: Gonzalo García |
Final Verdict
Real Madrid is the favorite, but El Sadar is never an easy place to visit. Osasuna will look to frustrate Madrid with a compact block and hit them on the break via Budimir. However, the individual quality of Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. usually finds a way. Expect a physical, card-heavy affair.
Prediction: CA Osasuna 1–2 Real Madrid
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