Real Madrid’s situation has deteriorated, as they experienced a 3-1 loss to AC Milan in a pivotal Champions League group stage match.

Osasuna, currently performing well, will visit Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday afternoon, and it is imperative for them to reverse their fortunes given Barcelona’s nine-point lead in the league standings.Nonetheless, it will not be an effortless endeavor for the current La Liga and European champions. Los Rojillos, having secured a 4-2 victory over the Catalans, trail the illustrious Blancos by three points prior to their confrontation this weekend.

Carlo Ancelotti must elicit a response from his players to restore confidence prior to the international break.Anticipated 4-3-3 formation Real Madrid Starting XI Against Osasuna DefenseAndriy Lunin has allowed seven goals in his last two matches against Barcelona and AC Milan.  Thibaut Courtois remains sidelined with a muscle injury, and the Ukrainian must step up his game unless the Belgian ‘number 1’ passes a late fitness test before Saturday’s encounter. However, they will proceed without Dani Carvajal, who sustained a season-ending ACL injury a month prior. Impromptu Lucas Vazquez encountered challenges against Raphinha and Rafael Leao, and the seasoned Spaniard may experience additional difficulties while confronting Bryan Zaragoza on the flank. In light of David Alaba’s injury absence, Real Madrid have two formidable centre-backs, Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger.

They must demonstrate serenity and control in the central defense; however, Ancelotti should implement a shift on the left flank and grant Francisco Garcia a starting position over Ferland Mendy.

Midfield

The Italian manager took an unusual decision regarding Milan by substituting Federico Valverde at halftime. He justified the move by referencing the Uruguayan’s back injury; however, a recent report from COPE refuted this assertion, potentially raising issues in the forthcoming days. Valverde will not commence the Osasuna match if his injury is severe; moreover, Aurelien Tchouameni may be excluded from the lineup after being substituted at halftime for tactical reasons. Veteran Luka Modric is expected to direct play from the basis of a three-man midfield, enabling Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga to function as the ‘number 8s.’ Brahim Diaz and Dani Ceballos may be deployed in the second half to provide their creative impetus.

Attack

Madrid are blessed to have two of the world’s best wide attackers Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. Both prefer to operate from the left and the decision to play Mbappe as a ‘number 9’ has not worked out yet. Yet the Frenchman should spearhead the attack making way for the Brazilian ace. Rodrygo’s injury return might see the gaffer switch to a front-three to inject more firepower high up the pitch.