Tough battle awaits Real Madrid in Osasuna, warns Arbeloa

Pamplona, Spain – Real Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa has sounded the alarm ahead of Saturday’s LaLiga trip to Osasuna, warning that his side must be “at 100%” to survive a stadium where the hosts have not lost in two months.

Los Blancos arrive at Estadio El Sadar buoyed by a midweek UEFA Champions League victory over Benfica, a result that kept their European ambitions on track. Yet domestic business offers no respite: with Barcelona breathing down their necks, Madrid know that three points in Navarre could open a five-point cushion at the summit.

Arbeloa, who took the reins in January, did not mince words when sizing up the challenge. “They’ve gone two months unbeaten at home. They’re a team in tremendous form,” he told reporters on Friday. “We all know how difficult a trip to El Sadar is for Real Madrid. I only won one of my trips there as a player.”

The 43-year-old emphasised that respect will translate into meticulous preparation. “We’re very aware of the tough battle ahead, of the opponent’s level, and of the excellent work of their coach. We’re going to prepare in the best possible way, knowing that the three points would be extremely important.”

Since his appointment, Arbeloa has overseen a steady upward curve. “The team has grown a lot in recent weeks,” he noted, while cautioning against complacency. “The league season is very long but for me, it has barely even begun. We have a very difficult away match, as they all are, and our objective now isn’t to relax.”

Injury news was largely positive. Kylian Mbappé, who recently returned from a knee complaint, played 78 minutes against Benfica and continues to progress. “His knee is much better. It’s not completely gone away, but he is feeling better every day,” Arbeloa confirmed.

Saturday’s clash kicks off at 17:30 GMT, with Osasuna sitting tenth but unbeaten at home since early December. A Madrid win would not only consolidate their lead but also serve notice that the new coach’s project is gathering momentum at precisely the right time.