Real Madrid face a tough road test at El Sadar on Sunday night, when the La Liga leaders take on CA Osasuna on matchday 25.
As the title race heats up, one key factor could tip the balance in Los Blancos’ favor. That’s their stable scoring form on the road.
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Arbeloa’s team came into this match having scored in 11 consecutive road matches, scoring 24 goals in total during that time. This level of attacking reliability from the Santiago Bernabéu has been one of the team’s hallmarks this season and could be decisive in a hostile environment.
Victory is essential for Real Madrid
Real Madrid took first place in the previous game and enter the weekend with a two-point difference over FC Barcelona. If they win, it will be their 20th league win this season and their ninth consecutive league title, allowing them to maintain their lead, and depending on other results, they could extend their advantage even further.
“The three points in El Sadar are very important,” Arbeloa said at the pre-match press conference. The match comes at a key juncture in the schedule, sandwiched between the first and second legs of the club’s Champions League play-offs against Benfica.
Real Madrid won 1-0 in the first leg on Tuesday, but the quick turn of events will put the team’s management in the spotlight.
Osasuna is a different kind of challenge
However, Osasuna faces major challenges. Although the Navarraz team is in the middle of the table, they are unbeaten in six games in total and unbeaten in five consecutive La Liga games, with three wins and two draws during that period. They have not lost a league match at El Sadar since late November, making their home ground a difficult venue for the visiting team.
Forward Ante Budimir has led Osasuna’s attack this season with 13 goals, including 11 in the league. His physical presence and decisiveness will test Real Madrid’s defense, which maintains a balance between domestic and European competition.
Still, Real Madrid’s recent road scoring streak gives them a clear advantage. The ability to consistently find the back of the net away from home can relieve pressure, move the game tactically and force opponents to chase. When the title race is intense and he faces an opponent who is in good form, the stability of his attack could be the difference between dropping points or leaving El Sadar with three more points.
