REAL MADRID
V
OSASUNA
Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
11 September 2010, 11.30 PM IST
The second week of Spanish football promises some spicy affairs and the one at the Bernabeu might be a tasty one. Real Madrid play hosts to Osasuna as both the teams look to secure their first wins of the season after scoring one each in their previous matches.
Midweek Distractions
The Mallorca game didn’t go all well for Real Madrid as their strikers failed to capitalize on the few chances that were created. After 15 days of no club football, Los Merengues will now play three games in a gap of seven days ,which includes the Champions League kick off game against Ajax on Wednesday. There will obviously be distractions for the players, but they have to budge them if they don’t want to fall further behind Barcelona. With the players recovering from their injuries and niggles, the Bernabeu will at least expect them to earn all the three points, if not earn them in style.
Looking for the first win
While Real Madrid players came off an International break, the case is different for Osasuna. With no International games for their players, Osasuna have been preparing for this fixture for the last two weeks. The corresponding fixture last year produced plenty of goals and drama as Real Madrid won by three goals to two in an entertaining match. This match should be no different as Osasuna will be looking to attack from the word go and try to get a positive result from the Bernabeu.
Possible Starting Lineups
Real Madrid: Casillas, Arbeloa-Ramos-Carvalho-Marcelo, Alonso-Khedira, Leon-Ozil-Ronaldo, Higuain
Osasuna: Ricardo, Damia-Sergio-Flano-Monreal, Juanfran-Soriano-Nekounam-Camunas, Pandiani-Aranda
TheHardTackle’s Player To Watch Out For
Pedro Leon (Real Madrid):
It was a surprise albeit dream move for Pedro Leon when he joined Real Madrid in the summer, but he has had very few chances to show his impact. Against Osasuna, he has a great opportunity of proving his worth and cement his place in the starting line-up, as it very unlikely that he’s going to start against Ajax in midweek. He will try to give his all in front of the demanding Real Madrid fans.
TheHardTackle’s Prediction
Real Madrid 2-1 Osasuna
After a rather disappointing goalless draw at Mallorca, the Bernabeu faithful will be keen to watch their team perform better and Real Madrid will be looking to do exactly that. Osasuna, though, will be a tough nut to crack – but with the star-studded line-up, Real may just come out winners. Expect an entertaining match with plenty of chances.
TheHardTackle’s Blast From The Past
