When Real Madrid added Kylian Mbappé to a squad that had just stormed to the La Liga title and been crowned European champions for a 15th time, all expectation was that Los Blancos would go from strength to strength. That’s proved far from the reality however, with a 3-1 defeat to AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League in midweek – which followed a 4-0 humbling against Barcelona – marking their first set of consecutive home defeats since October 2020.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted his concern after another loss on Tuesday night, admitting his side are “not playing well” and citing a lack of defensive cohesion for their troubles. Real should be well placed to get back on track at the Bernabéu against Osasuna however, as this is a fixture they’ve not lost at home since way back in April 2004 (W14, D3).
Osasuna beat Valladolid 1-0 last weekend to end the matchday in fifth place and just three points adrift of their esteemed hosts after a flying start to their league campaign. Los Rojillos are already eight points better off than at the equivalent stage last season, and most promisingly have won back-to-back league games for the first time since February.
However, they haven’t won successive away league fixtures since August 2023, and they face a significant challenge to do so again given their dreadful record here and their return of just one win on the road in La Liga this season (D2, L2). Osasuna could well be primed to take advantage of any nerves in the home crowd though, as they’ve opened the scoring inside 30 minutes in three of their last six away league outings (W2, D2, L2).
Players to watch: Rodrygo made his return from injury in midweek and may be in line for a start as Ancelotti looks to freshen up his attacking options – both of the Brazilian’s last two goals came after half-time. Osasuna talisman Ante Budimir has netted six times in 12 matches this season in the league, opening the scoring in three of his five goalscoring 2024/25 La Liga outings.
Hot streak: Real Madrid are the only team yet to concede a La Liga goal before half-time at home this term (HT: W2, D4).
