Real Madrid vs Osasuna: Los Blancos prepare to welcome surprisingly in-form visitors

Real Madrid vs Osasuna: Los Blancos prepare to welcome surprisingly in-form visitors - October 27

Topics: TV Schedules, TV Listings, Real Madrid, Osasuna, La Liga

Fresh off their Clasico win against Barcelona this weekend, Real Madrid will welcome Osasuna as they look to seize top spot in the league table.

Preview: Real Madrid vs Osasuna

Real Madrid come into this match having earned a well-deserved 2-1 win over bitter rivals Barcelona last Sunday. Arguably, one of the highlights of the game was seeing new signing David Alaba score in his El Clasico debut, with the 29-year-old becoming only the third ever Austrian in history to score in the famous clash (after Udo Steinberg in 1902 and Hans Krankl in 1979). As things stand, Carlo Ancelotti's men find themselves in second spot, just one point behind surprise league leaders Real Sociedad - but Madrid also do have a vital game in hand, which could end up proving to be the deciding factor later on this season.

For now, though, they'll be firmly focused on picking up all three points against an Osasuna side who have actually been pretty solid recently. Although their three game winning streak came to an end as they were held to a one-all draw with Granada last Friday, Jagoba Arrasate's men have picked up 18 points so far, with ten of those coming in their last four games. That sees them in a very impressive sixth spot, although it's not surprising they will be the rank underdogs in this match.

Osasuna haven't beaten Real Madrid in a decade, with their last triumph coming in January 2011. Overall, they've lost eight and drawn the other of their last nine meetings with the Spanish titans in all comps, and are traveling to face a side who are on a 13-game unbeaten streak at the Santiago Bernabeu. And with Real Sociedad dropping points during a stalemate against Atletico Madrid, this match could present the perfect opportunity for Real Madrid to seize top spot as they look to continue their strong start this season under Ancelotti's tenure.

Match facts: Real Madrid vs Osasuna

Osasuna haven't beaten Real Madrid since January 2011
The visitors are unbeaten in their last four games, but have a frustrating track record against Los Blancos, with eight losses and one draw from their last nine meetings across all comps
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are on a 13 game unbeaten streak on home turf

Team news: Real Madrid vs Osasuna

Real Madrid: The hosts will be missing Gareth Bale and Dani Ceballos, both of whom remain out for the long-haul, while Thibaut Courtois appears to have emerged unscathed from a previously-feared injury during El Clasico. Both Eden Hazard and Dani Carvajal have recovered and it remains to be seen if either are involved in any capacity here. Meanwhile, Isco remains in doubt, along with Federico Valverde following a knee injury and Luka Jovic.

Osasuna: Cote has been banned for this match following his sending off during the clash with Granada, while Jonas Ramalho remains a long-term injury absentee.