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Real Madrid Faces Tough Test at Osasuna's El Sadar

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, February 21st 2026 at 4:30 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Madrid, Navarre, SPAIN

Pamplona, Spain - February 21st, 2026 - Real Madrid travels to the challenging fortress of El Sadar today to take on Osasuna in a crucial La Liga encounter. With the title race heating up, every point is vital, and this match presents a significant test for both sides. Real Madrid, currently leading the league, aims to solidify their position, while Osasuna hopes to halt their recent slump and potentially upset the league leaders on home turf.

The match kicks off at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time and is available exclusively on ESPN+ in the United States. For fans looking to tune in, a subscription to ESPN+ ($10.99/month) is required. The game promises a clash of styles: Real Madrid's attacking prowess against Osasuna's traditionally resilient defense.

The Stakes are High

Real Madrid enters the match as clear favorites, reflected in the betting odds - currently at -200 - but Osasuna have proven to be a difficult opponent for even the most formidable teams, especially within their home stadium. A victory for Los Blancos would significantly extend their lead at the top of the table and send a strong message to their title rivals. However, a dropped point, or even a loss, could open the door for Barcelona or Atletico Madrid to close the gap.

Osasuna, currently languishing in mid-table, are desperate to turn their season around. They've endured a difficult run of form, losing their last three matches, and a positive result against Real Madrid would provide a much-needed boost to morale and potentially reignite their European aspirations. Their odds of +450 reflect the difficulty of the task, but the passionate home crowd could prove to be a decisive factor. A draw, priced at +275, would represent a decent result for the hosts, potentially halting Real Madrid's momentum.

Team News and Key Players

Real Madrid will undoubtedly look to Jude Bellingham to spearhead their attack. The English midfielder has been in sensational form this season, consistently finding the back of the net and dictating play in the midfield. His creative energy and goal-scoring threat will be crucial in breaking down Osasuna's defense. However, Los Blancos will be without goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who continues his recovery from a long-term injury. His absence leaves Andriy Lunin as the first-choice keeper, and the Ukrainian will be under pressure to perform against a determined Osasuna attack.

For Osasuna, the focus will be on stifling Real Madrid's attack and exploiting any vulnerabilities they might present. They'll need a strong defensive performance, led by their experienced center-backs, and quick transitions on the counter-attack to create scoring opportunities. The team will be looking to its veteran players to provide leadership and composure under pressure. Osasuna's manager will likely prioritize defensive organization and compactness, aiming to frustrate Real Madrid and limit their space in dangerous areas.

Recent Form: A Tale of Two Teams

The contrasting form of the two teams adds another layer of intrigue to this encounter. Real Madrid has been in imperious form, winning their last five matches across all competitions. Their attacking fluidity and defensive solidity have made them a formidable force, and they will be confident of securing another victory. This winning streak has instilled a sense of belief and momentum within the squad.

In stark contrast, Osasuna is struggling to find consistency. Their recent three-game losing streak has raised concerns about their form and confidence. They've conceded goals too easily and struggled to create clear-cut chances in front of goal. Addressing these issues will be paramount if they are to have any chance of upsetting Real Madrid. The psychological impact of the losing streak could prove to be a significant hurdle to overcome.

Looking Ahead

This match is more than just three points; it's a statement of intent from Real Madrid in their pursuit of the La Liga title. For Osasuna, it's an opportunity to salvage their season and potentially mount a late challenge for European qualification. The game at El Sadar promises to be a captivating encounter, filled with passion, drama, and tactical battles. Fans can expect a fiercely contested match that could have significant implications for the final standings in La Liga.