Real Madrid faces a demanding road test Sunday evening at El Sadar as the LaLiga leaders take on CA Osasuna on Matchday 25.
With the title race tightening, one key factor could tilt the balance in Los Blancos‘ favor: their consistent scoring form away from home.
Arbeloa‘s squad enters the matchup having scored in 11 consecutive official road matches, totaling 24 goals during that stretch. That level of attacking reliability away from the Santiago Bernabéu has become one of the team’s defining traits this season and could prove decisive in a hostile environment.
A victory is a must for Real Madrid
Real Madrid claimed the top spot in the previous round and begins the weekend two points ahead of FC Barcelona. A victory would mark their 20th league win of the campaign and their ninth consecutive LaLiga triumph, allowing them to maintain first place and potentially extend their advantage depending on other results.
“The three points at El Sadar are very important,” Arbeloa said in his pre-match press conference. The game comes at a critical juncture in the schedule, sandwiched between the first and second legs of the club’s Champions League playoff against Benfica.
Real Madrid secured a 1-0 win in the opening leg on Tuesday, but the quick turnaround means squad management will be closely watched.
Osasuna is a different kind of challenge
Osasuna, however, presents a significant challenge. The Navarrese side sits mid-table but arrives in strong form, unbeaten in six matches overall and undefeated in five straight LaLiga contests, with three wins and two draws in that span. They have not lost a league game at El Sadar since late November, turning their home ground into a difficult venue for visiting teams.
Forward Ante Budimir leads Osasuna’s attack with 13 goals this season, including 11 in league play. His physical presence and finishing ability will test a Real Madrid defense balancing domestic and European commitments.
Still, Real Madrid‘s recent road scoring streak provides a tangible edge. The ability to find the net consistently away from home reduces pressure, opens games tactically and forces opponents to chase. In a tight title race and against an in-form opponent, that offensive consistency may be the difference between dropping points and leaving El Sadar with three more in hand.
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