Osasuna vs Real Madrid predictions and betting tips – Blancos putting pressure on Barcelona

Real Madrid have got themselves right back into contention for the La Liga title. They are in fine form in Spain’s top flight and are giving Barcelona plenty to think about.

Next up for Madrid is a trip to Pamplona to face Osasuna. Will this be a straightforward afternoon for the Blancos, or can their opponents blow the title race wide open once more?

• Real Madrid to win – 4/6 with Midnite
• Draw at half-time – 7/5 with Tote
• Kylian Mbappe to score any time – 4/5 with bet365

Osasuna vs Real Madrid odds

Find the latest Osasuna vs Real Madrid betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.

Osasuna vs Real Madrid predictions

Real Madrid beat Benfica 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League play-off on Tuesday, but the result was a secondary story.

The main headline after the match centred on the alleged racist abuse of Vinicius Junior by Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni.

After reporting the incident to the referee, the match was suspended for 10 minutes. UEFA has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate what happened.

It is not the first time Vinicius has been on the receiving end of racist remarks, but this was the most high-profile episode yet. Almost as shameful as the incident itself was the reaction of those who insinuated that Vinicius’ celebration was to blame for his treatment.

It is a great shame that the Brazil international had to endure such a moment, for it has otherwise been a good few days for him.

Vinicius scored the only goal of the game against Benfica just three days after his brace helped Madrid to a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad in La Liga.

In between those two matches, Vinicius and his team-mates doubtless watched on with delight as Barcelona succumbed to a 2-1 defeat by Girona.

That result means, for the first time since November, Madrid head into a La Liga matchday as the table-toppers.

A two-point lead is not sufficient for anyone at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu to get carried away, especially as Madrid must still visit the Camp Nou this term. But Barcelona’s recent losses to Real Sociedad and Girona mean the title race is very much on.

That pair of slip-ups is only one part of the story. The other is Madrid’s consistent excellence in the league over the last few weeks.

That has gone under the radar somewhat, overshadowed by missteps in the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, not to mention the change of manager from Xabi Alonso to Alvaro Arbeloa. Yet Madrid have now won eight games in a row in La Liga, and nine of the last 10.

They once again play before Barcelona this weekend, with Hansi Flick’s men not in action until a home game against Sunday.

By the time that match kicks off, there is a good chance Madrid will be five points clear at the summit of the standings. That would pile the pressure on Barca to respond.

Osasuna vs Real Madrid betting tips

Real Madrid are ready to resume their La Liga title tilt against Osasuna on Saturday.

Madrid to get job done

It is not quite as impressive as Real Madrid’s eight wins on the spin, but Osasuna are on an unbeaten streak of their own. 

Alessio Lisci’s side have not lost any of their last six matches in all competitions, with five of those games coming in La Liga. On the back of that run, Osasuna have risen into the top half of the table. 

It would be a mistake for Madrid to think they will win Saturday’s game with ease. Osasuna are more than capable of frustrating the league leaders.

Having said that, Madrid’s quality should shine through over the course of 90 minutes. An away win beckons at the Estadio El Sadar.

Real Madrid to win at 4/6 with Midnite

Osasuna can hold own

Real Madrid have the best first-half record in the division up to this point, having been ahead 13 times at the break.

The score has been level midway through Madrid matches on 10 occasions, which means they have been behind at the interval just once so far.

Second on the list? Osasuna. Lisci’s side have been excellent from minutes one to 45, better even than Barcelona.

That suggests Madrid will be tested in the opening period. Osasuna can hold their own at least until the referee calls time on the first half.

Draw at half-time at 7/5 with Tote

Mbappe back on target

Kylian Mbappe sat out last weekend’s victory over Real Sociedad amid injury concerns.

The France international was on the bench, but with Madrid cruising Arbeloa did not choose to risk him.

Mbappe was back in the starting XI against Benfica and he will feature from the first whistle this weekend too.

With 23 goals in 22 league games so far, Mbappe is having a wonderful season. He can further increase his lead at the top of the scoring charts by bagging here.

Kylian Mbappe to score any time at 4/5 with bet365

Osasuna vs Real Madrid predicted lineups

• Osasuna expected lineup: Herrera; Rosier, Catena, Herrando, Galan; I. Munoz, Torro; Garcia, V. Munoz, Oroz; Budimir.
• Real Madrid expected lineup: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Guler, Mbappe, Vinicius.

Where to watch Osasuna vs Real Madrid

• Location: Estadio El Sadar, Pamplona, Spain.
• Date and time: Saturday 21st February, 5.30pm.
• How to watch: Premier Sports 2.

More La Liga predictions

We have plenty more La Liga predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.

About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

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