As Real Madrid juggles European commitments, Osasuna and their in-form striker Ante Budimir are gearing up to challenge the La Liga frontrunners when they visit El Sadar on Saturday.
Los Blancos come into the fixture fresh from a dramatic 3-2 victory over Manchester City in the Champions League play-off round on Tuesday. With the second leg against the English champions looming next week, Carlo Ancelotti’s side faces a tricky domestic test, holding a slim lead over Atletico Madrid and Barcelona at the top of the table.
Currently ninth in La Liga, Osasuna has a track record of delivering strong performances against Spain’s elite. Earlier this season, they stunned Barcelona with a 4-2 victory, handing the Catalan side their first league defeat of the campaign.
Budimir, who has scored 12 goals this season, sits behind only Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, along with Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe, in the league’s scoring charts. The 33-year-old Croatian striker became Osasuna’s all-time top foreign goalscorer in January and has netted 62 times for the club since initially joining on loan in 2020-21.
Last month, Budimir struck twice in a crucial win over Real Sociedad, ending Osasuna’s nine-match winless streak. His coach, Vicente Moreno, praised his relentless work ethic.
“(Budimir) is making history. He keeps delivering and isn’t going to stop,” said Moreno. “He trains hard every day, and even when form fluctuates, he’s earned his place.”
Osasuna’s last encounter with Real Madrid ended in a heavy 4-0 defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu, a result they will be eager to overturn. With Madrid missing key defenders due to injuries, Budimir will be looking to exploit the gaps, much like Erling Haaland did midweek with a brace against them.
However, Osasuna will be without suspended center-back Flavien Boyomo, who secured their 1-1 draw against Mallorca on Monday with a late equalizer.
“We got a point, and now we need to focus on the ones we didn’t get. Beating Madrid won’t be easy,” Moreno admitted.
Meanwhile, Ancelotti believes Real Madrid has finally found its rhythm after struggling for balance earlier in the season. Following their stunning comeback against Manchester City, the Italian coach insisted his side was hitting its stride at the perfect time.
“This is the way forward,” said Ancelotti. “The quality of this team has never been in doubt—this is where the season really starts.”
Elsewhere in La Liga, Atletico Madrid hosts Celta Vigo immediately after Real Madrid’s clash, while Barcelona takes on high-flying Rayo Vallecano on Monday.
Player to Watch: Javi Guerra
Valencia midfielder Guerra has emerged as a key figure under new coach Carlos Corberan. The 21-year-old Spaniard has been in fine form, playing a pivotal role in the team’s recent resurgence. His high work rate will be crucial in Saturday’s derby against Villarreal as Valencia seeks to climb further from the relegation zone.
Key Stats:
- 2 – Mallorca’s Vedat Muriqi and Valladolid’s Mario Martin have both received two red cards this season.
- 37 – Despite being mid-table, only two teams have conceded more goals than Celta Vigo.
- 1,984 – Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi has recorded the most touches in La Liga this season.
Upcoming Fixtures (GMT):
Friday:
- Girona vs. Getafe (20:00)
Saturday:
- Leganes vs. Alaves (13:00)
- Osasuna vs. Real Madrid (15:15)
- Atletico Madrid vs. Celta Vigo (17:30)
- Villarreal vs. Valencia (20:00)
Sunday:
- Espanyol vs. Athletic Bilbao (13:00)
- Real Valladolid vs. Sevilla (15:15)
- Mallorca vs. Las Palmas (17:30)
- Real Betis vs. Real Sociedad (20:00)
Monday:
- Barcelona vs. Rayo Vallecano (20:00)
