Osasuna vs Real Madrid (1-3) Apr 20, 2022 Match Preview and Stats

Real Madrid are on the verge of a 35th La Liga title and can take another step towards lifting the trophy at Osasuna on Wednesday.

Barcelona’s shock 1-0 defeat to Cadiz on Monday evening means that Madrid are now 15 points of their second-placed rivals.

Madrid have only six games remaining, while Barcelona have seven.

Therefore, a win here against their ninth-placed opponents will see Madrid go 18 points ahead of Barca – with the Blaugrana only able to obtain 21 points maximum from their final matches.

Carlo Ancelotti is without a number of players for the trip to Pamplona. Eden Hazard and Ferland Mendy are both injured, while Marcelo is also a doubt.

Backup players Jesus Vallejo and Dani Ceballos are also at risk due to COVID-19.

Ancelotti could opt to rotate a few players given Madrid will have one eye ahead to next week’s Champions League semi-final against Manchester City.

However, it is likely he will still play a strong XI against Osasuna given Madrid don’t have another game until they play City in six days in England.

Given the probable absences of both Mendy and Marcelo, David Alaba should move over to left back with Nacho deputising at centre back.

Eduardo Camavinga could again be chosen at central midfield alongside veterans Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.

Meanwhile, Karim Benzema will lead the line – flanked by Fede Valverde and Vinicius Jr – aiming to maintain his incredible scoring record of 39 goals in as many games this term.

Osasuna are missing the suspended Lucas Torro and the injured Jesus Areso, Kike Garcia and Juan Cruz.