A year ago
Real Madrid vs. Osasuna - Preview, prediction, team news, lineups, available players, key players to miss the clash
Real Madrid will be facing Osasuna in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday, as they aim to secure their 20th title in the competition. The match will be played between two fellow La Liga teams, and it is set to be a thrilling encounter.
Carlo Ancelotti's side booked their spot in the final by defeating Barcelona in the semi-finals, while Osasuna managed to navigate their way past Athletic Bilbao. This will be just the second time that Osasuna has made it to the final of the tournament, and they will be looking to cause an upset against the more favored Real Madrid.
Despite not being able to retain their La Liga title this season, Real Madrid will be hoping to end the season on a high note by securing a Copa del Rey and Champions League double. They are set to face Manchester City in the semi-finals of the Champions League, with the first leg taking place at the Bernabeu next week. However, their immediate focus is on the Copa del Rey final, and they will be hoping to lift the trophy for the first time since 2014.
Real Madrid has had a disappointing run of form in the league, losing four of their last eight games. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of Real Sociedad, who beat them 2-0 on Tuesday night. Despite this, the team will be looking to put their league form behind them and focus on the task at hand in the Copa del Rey final.
Ancelotti's team will be heavily favored to lift the trophy, but they will need to be at their best to overcome an Osasuna team that will be full of confidence after making it to the final. Real Madrid has a rich history in the competition, having won the tournament 19 times before, but they will not underestimate the threat posed by their opponents.
The final promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams expected to give it their all in a bid to lift the trophy. Real Madrid will be hoping that their experience and quality will be enough to see them over the line, but Osasuna will be looking to cause an upset and make history by winning their first-ever Copa del Rey title.
Team News
The only confirmed absence for Real Madrid at this time is Ferland Mendy, a France international, who will once again be sidelined by a calf injury.
Despite their struggles to recover from hamstring injuries in time for the game, David Alaba and Luka Modric are expected to sit on the bench even if they make the team.
Karim Benzema will be available to play after receiving a rest against Real Sociedad, and Vinicius Junior and Eduardo Camavinga will also be returning after serving suspensions the last time around.
Due to Modric's injury issues, Aurelien Tchouameni may be able to start in central midfield. Federico Valverde may possibly play a deeper role to make room for Rodrygo.
Darko Brasanac, who plays for Osasuna, is sidelined for the entire season due to a severe knee injury, but Arrasate is optimistic that Nacho Vidal and David Garcia will be eligible for selection on Saturday.
Jon Moncayola will also play this weekend after serving a suspension that prevented him from playing against Barcelona on Tuesday night.
The starting lineup should also include Kike Garcia, Juan Cruz, Aridane Hernandez, and Moi Gomez. Sergio Herrera, 29, should start in goal on Saturday night in Seville because he has been Osasuna's Copa del Rey goalkeeper this season.
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:?Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Camavinga; Valverde, Tchouameni, Kroos; Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius
Osasuna possible starting lineup:?Herrera; Moncayola, Aridane, D Garcia, Cruz; Torro, M Gomez; R Garcia, Oroz, Ezzalzouli; Kike Garcia
Prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Osasuna
Total Comments: 0