The highlight of La Liga is Real Madrid vs Osasuna since Los Blancos seek to pressure Barcelona further in the title competition. Another win would place Madrid five points ahead at the top, at least in the short run, and Barcelona will play Levante 24 hours later.
The timing of this match is very important. The second Champions League play-off leg is only four days to be held. Manager Alvaro Arbeloa was expected to change a lot. Nonetheless, the modifications are few and are mostly tactical.
Dean Huijsen loses it, allegedly after he had picked up an injury during the training. The lack necessitates a defense realignment. It is an initial league start of David Alaba since October, which is a significant comeback of the Austrian defender.
Full-back adjustments also occur. Trent Alexander-Arnold begins as a sub. The English defender has only covered heavy minutes since he was back after injury and would probably be saved to face Benfica in the European confrontation. Dani Carvajal is brought into the team and is the captain. This is also his first start in October.
Antonio Rudiger is given rest keeping in mind the Champions League. Alaba is a partner of Raul Asencio in the center of defense. The young Spanish was suspended during the first leg in Europe and this time he has a chance to prove himself home.
The strategy implies equilibrium and not complete rotation. Real Madrid want the three points but on the other hand planning ahead. The management of the squad will be important in the next days.
Providing that Madrid wins the game this evening the pressure will shift to Barcelona squarely. The title race might be subjected to a significant twist before the weekend is over.
