Real Madrid vs. Osasuna: 3 X-Factors to watch on Matchday 34

Real Madrid are coming off a grueling Champions League semifinal first leg against Chelsea. Despite a rough start to the match, Los Blancos drew 1-1 and can take the tie in the second leg with a good performance. But in order to get the win next week, the team needs to be fully fit. And that’s where rotations this weekend come into play.

Every game is a final for Los Blancos, and they suffered back-to-back weekend 0-0 draws in the La Liga title race. So they must win this Saturday at home against Osasuna.

Let’s look at three X-Factors to the match this weekend.

Rotations

We have to start with the obvious. Real Madrid will not be able to play their best XI on Saturday night at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, nor should they. Madridistas 100 percent want world-class midfielders Luka Modric and Toni Kroos rested vs. Osasuna. Both men looked worn out against Chelsea, and they must be a full-go if Real are to win next Wednesday night vs. Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

So we will see heavy rotations in midfield and elsewhere. We must also think about the returns of Fede Valverde, Sergio Ramos, and Ferland Mendy. All three have missed multiple matches with injuries or COVID-19. They are important players. And if they are to be match fit for the second leg against Chelsea, then they will need some minutes before the Champions League.

How the rotations shake up will have a direct influence on who wins this game. The players rotated in must prove they are up to the task against an Osasuna side that has risen to 11th and drew them earlier this year.

Rodrygo Goes

Real Madrid winger Rodrygo Goes started against Real Betis last weekend, but he wasn’t very effective. He hit the crossbar on one unlikely attempt, but he was pretty much a non-factor on the right-hand side of the formation. Rodrygo looked dangerous in the previous match against Cadiz, but he was not up to it against Betis.

Los Blancos need more from Rodrygo and their wingers this weekend. We can expect him to start, as Marco Asensio and Vinicius Junior won’t play the full 90. Eden Hazard could play more and even start in preparation for Chelsea, but I would still expect a bench appearance from the Belgian before his first start back from injury in leg two.

Therefore, it will be the Rodrygo show on Saturday night at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano. Here’s to hoping we see him at his best.

The Osasuna defense

Real Madrid put three past Cadiz, but, otherwise, they have been poor offensively in their recent matches. They had 0-0 draws with Liverpool, Getafe, and Real Betis. Only Karim Benzema scored in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea, and it was the result of his individual brilliance.

Los Blancos have an attacking problem. Duh. It has been the one thing holding back an otherwise excellent team.

Osasuna held Real to a 0-0 draw earlier in 2021 in Pamplona and could replicate the same result. They have a strong defense. David Garcia and Adriane are a solid center back pairing and Osasuna’s best players. Sergio Herrera is a sweeper keeper who can cut out danger in a hurry. Jon Moncayola and Lucas Torro are hard workers in the midfield.

Real Madrid will be challenged offensively against Osasuna. They need to step up to the plate, find some goals, get the win, and build momentum as an attack before the crucial second leg at Chelsea. And, well, this game against Osasuna is also crucial with a title on the line!