Real Madrid v Osasuna match preview
Real Madrid open their La Liga campaign against Osasuna on Tuesday night as the Xabi Alonso era begins in earnest.
Real finished second last season, four points behind Barcelona, and Alonso is the new face in the dugout. Real will be without legendary Luka Modric for the first season since 2012, while Lucas Vazquez also left the club over the summer.
Alonso said: “We’re all approaching it with excitement, enthusiasm, and are eager to get the season underway. It’s been a short but intense two weeks, and we’re already looking forward to stepping into the Bernabéu. We want to start well. The first game is always important.
“We’re making progress. It’s hard to measure. We certainly still have a few more to go. But we already introduced the main ideas and fundamentals at the Club World Cup, and we’ve worked hard on them these past two weeks. The feeling is good.”
Osasuna finished safely in midtable last season and manager Alessio Lisci is expecting a tough ask.
“It will be a tough match, but we are excited to take it on because we enjoy facing the best teams. It’s always a good opportunity to play these matches,” he said.
“It’s clear that we prepare our preseason not just to face Real Madrid but for the entire season.I believe the team is looking good due to the progress we’ve made since day one.”
Real Madrid v Osasuna team news
Real are without England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who is recovering from planned shoulder surgery while defender Antonio Rudiger carries over a suspension from last season.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras could all make their debuts in defence while teenager Franco Mastantuono is expected to feature.
Alonso said: “The first time I spoke to him, I was truly struck by his personality. He was still only 17 years old and very self-confident. He wasn’t afraid of taking the step to come to Real Madrid. You can see his maturity, his desire, his quality. He’s going to integrate very quickly into the team.
“He could get minutes tomorrow. He’ll bring quality, energy, is committed defensively, and has good momentum. I’ve seen that he has that drive and that Argentine competitive spirit. He’s good with the final pass. He’s at a very good level.”
Osasuna are expected to hand a debut to Valentin Rosier while Ruben Garcia and Iker Benito are doubts.
Real Madrid v Osasuna expected line-ups
Real Madrid starting XI: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Guler, Tchouameni, Valverde; Brahim, Mbappe, Vinicius
Osasuna starting XI: Herrera, Cruz, Torro, Moncayola, Aimar, Gonez, Budimir, Rosier, Boyomo, Bretones, Catena
How to watch Real Madrid v Osasuna: Live stream, TV channel
Kick-off on Tuesday is at 20:00 BST (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT), with live coverage in the UK on Premier Sports 2 and streaming available on a vast range of devices via the Premier Sports app.
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Real Madrid v Osasuna stats
- Real Madrid have won 6 of the last 8 matches in the LaLiga while scoring less than 2.5 goals
- Real Madrid have won 6 of the last 8 home matches in the LaLiga while scoring more than 1.5 goals
- Real Madrid have won the last 3 matches in a row in the LaLiga while scoring more than 1.5 goals
- Real Madrid have won 6 of the last 8 matches in the LaLiga and the sum of goals was under 3.5
- Real Madrid have won 5 of the last 7 home matches while scoring more than 1.5 goals
- In 11 of the last 13 Osasuna away matches in the LaLiga, the sum of goals was under 3.5
- In 10 of the last 12 Osasuna matches in the LaLiga, the sum of goals was under 3.5
- In 6 of the last 7 Osasuna matches the sum of goals was under 2.5
- In the last 4 Osasuna matches in the LaLiga, the sum of goals was under 2.5
- In 6 of the last 7 Osasuna matches the sum of goals was under 3.5
Real Madrid v Osasuna prediction
A new era, a similar result – Osasuna haven’t won at Madrid since 2004 and face an uphill task on opening night. Alonso’s side won’t be at their fluid best yet but still have enough quality to start with a win.
Real Madrid 2-0 Osasuna
