By Karl Matchett
All the time a disaster, at all times a method out
It’s not unusual for headlines round Los Blancos to deal with issues they’re doing badly, gamers they should signal and the rest which may or needs to be improved, within the eyes of these commentating. However the reality is often somewhat much less outstanding: Actual Madrid are an distinctive workforce, however don’t win each single recreation. And, the scale of the membership being what it’s, each non-victory is held up as proof that Issues Should Change. So are a few of the victories, truly.
Right here’s a stat to indicate that’s most likely probably not true: extra groups have had a participant despatched off in opposition to Actual Madrid in 2025, than Actual Madrid have truly misplaced fixtures. The one sides to beat them since early December are Barcelona and Espanyol – hardly “Ancelotti out” territory, nor an instance of why they want six summer time reinforcements, regardless of what some headlines can have you consider.
Having drawn the derby final day trip within the league they nonetheless lead the desk by some extent and have an affordable run of league fixtures developing – no person within the high six of their subsequent 4 – which begins at El Sadar on Saturday.
Current type
Right here’s a riddle for you: which three Spanish groups have misplaced fewer matches than Actual Madrid (4) throughout all competitions prior to now three months? Clearly a part of the reply is simple, as a result of it’s their subsequent opponents. The opposite components of the riddle are their final opponents, truly (Atlético Madrid, one), and Athletic Membership (three). Osasuna have tasted defeat simply 3 times too since 9 November, but ridiculously have received solely 4. Seven attracts in that point clarify how they’ve solely misplaced as soon as greater than Barcelona in LaLiga this time period, but sit ninth within the desk. Actual have received seven of their final 9.
Workforce information
Enzo Boyomo is suspended and Ante Budimir will most likely miss out for Osasuna – an enormous blow if he does as that’s beginning centre-back and striker each then out. Actual Madrid are with out Antonio Rüdiger, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Lucas Vázquez and David Alaba. The latter two may return on the finish of this month, although Alaba has been sidelined for months so definitely received’t be rushed again.
Key participant
After a sluggish begin to the marketing campaign, Kylian Mbappé is now behind solely Robert Lewandowski (19 objectives) within the scoring charts, with 16 from an xG of 15.3. He’s averaging 2.3 pictures on the right track per 90, the most effective of any starter within the league, but in addition ranks within the high 90 per cent-plus for touches within the field, dribbles, correct lengthy balls and pictures. All-round risk now, which you’d count on for his hype and price.
Prediction
One other three factors for the guests, in a reasonably low-key recreation: Osasuna 1 Actual Madrid 2.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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