Real Madrid Face Key Test Against Resilient Osasuna
The pressure is cranked up at the Santiago Bernabéu as Real Madrid look to snap out of a rough patch. The Champions League holders are heading into their first La Liga game since an emotional El Clásico loss, and their fans demand a reaction. But it’s not just pride on the line here: Madrid are sitting second in the league and risk losing ground if they slip up. Standing in their way is a fired-up Osasuna squad that has quietly become one of the league’s trickiest away teams.
Osasuna may not have the star power of Madrid, but their form has been tough to ignore lately. They’re unbeaten in three of their last four matches and have lost only twice on the road this season. Coach Jagoba Arrasate has drilled this team into a tight, organized unit—exactly the type of side that can frustrate Madrid, especially with the home side’s confidence slightly dented after back-to-back defeats in all competitions.
The stakes are high for both clubs. Osasuna sit fifth in the table and are hunting a spot in next season’s European competitions. Madrid, with their depth and attacking flair, are expected to take the game to Osasuna, but unless they shake off the mood of recent weeks, things could get tense fast under the Bernabéu lights.
Athletic Bilbao Aim for Consistency While the Chase Heats Up
While all eyes turn to Madrid, Athletic Bilbao hope to keep their own European dreams on track as they travel to Valladolid. Bilbao showed flashes of quality in recent weeks and need to keep that up to stay in the mix for continental football next season. Valladolid, always tough at home, won’t make things easy and could spring an upset if Bilbao slip.
Meanwhile, the La Liga calendar has its fair share of twists this weekend. Barcelona head north to take on Real Sociedad, a fixture that rarely fails to deliver drama. With the Catalans looking to maintain their title push, every step matters, especially as the pressure mounts around them and Real Madrid.
One side enjoying some rare momentum is Deportivo Alavés, who finally broke their five-game losing streak. They’re rewarded with a tricky visit to Villarreal—a side that has been quietly effective all season. If Alavés want to stay clear of the relegation battle, bringing that newfound confidence on the road is crucial.
Fans looking forward to Espanyol’s clash with Valencia are left disappointed, though. A wild storm forced the game in Valencia to be rescheduled, a reminder that even football isn’t immune to weather’s chaos.
This round sums up why La Liga stays irresistible. Every match from Madrid’s high-wire act against Osasuna to Athletic Bilbao’s battle at Valladolid is tangled up in the hunt for European spots. As Matchday 13 rolls on, there’s no room for error—the race is tighter than ever.
- Apr, 21 2025
- Cleo Maritz
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