Real Madrid cut down Barcelona’s lead to just eight points, with their 4-0 win over Elche. Of course, that is still a significant gap between the two sides, but with 17 more La Liga games left to play each, it is way too early to give up. Anything can happen in football, and we saw Xavi’s side face a couple of obstacles recently.
They could only manage a 2-2 draw vs Manchester United at Camp Nou in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League tie. Even more worryingly for them though, Pedri picked up an injury and initial rumours suggest that he could be out for around four weeks.
Thus, this was a blow for Barcelona in more ways than one and let’s see how they respond to it. Real Madrid must make sure that they win their game vs Osasuna this weekend though.
They have already been handed a worry in that regard. Karim Benzema looks set to miss the upcoming game against Osasuna.
Real Madrid superstar will not play against Osasuna this weekend in La Liga
As reported by MARCA, Benzema will not travel with Real Madrid to Pamplona, where Los Blancos will play against Osasuna this weekend. The Frenchman suffered a number of knocks in the game against Elche, which makes it sensible for him to rest, with the Champions League match vs Liverpool coming up.
Of course, Benzema has been dealing with one fitness issue after another, throughout this campaign. Thus, it would not make sense to risk him before such an important game against Liverpool.
At the same time though, it shows the need Real Madrid have for bringing in another striker. They do not have any real cover for Benzema and it feels like Carlo Ancelotti will go with Rodrygo in a false nine role against Osasuna.