Real Madrid News
Five key stats ahead of Real Madrid vs Osasuna | Copa del Rey final
Real Madrid will have a great opportunity to end their long-running drought in the Copa del Rey when they face off against CA Osasuna in the finals of the tournament at Estadio de La Cartuja later tonight.
Los Blancos have not lifted the Copa del Rey trophy for nine years, with their last triumph coming way back in 2014, during Carlo Ancelotti’s first reign as manager at the Santiago Bernabeu.
As they look to bring back the King’s Cup trophy back to the club, Real Madrid face a stern challenge in the form of Osasuna, a team that has already managed to hold them to a draw this season in La Liga despite being down to ten men.
But, heading into tonight’s match, Los Blancos have reasons to be confident as they have an impeccable record against the team from Pamplona in the cup competitions.
Indeed, Real Madrid have won each of their previous eight Copa del Rey meetings against Osasuna with an aggregate scoreline of 25-5. All these encounters have been either in the Round of 16 or at the quarter-final stages.
What’s more, Real Madrid have not lost a game to Osasuna across all competitions in over 12 years. The last time the Merengues fell to a defeat to Los Rojillos was in January 2011. Since then, they have won 13 of the 18 matches between the two sides (D5).
However, one area of concern for the Merengues heading into the match against Osasuna would be the poor record of their club captain and ace goalscorer Karim Benzema.
Indeed, Benzema has not scored a goal for Real Madrid against Osasuna for over nine years now, with his last strike against them coming in January 2014, in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 tie. To put it into perspective, he has netted against 59 different teams on three different continents since that strike vs Osasuna.
Apart from breaking his drought against Osasuna, Benzema will also have his eyes on another special milestone. Should he lead Real Madrid to the Copa del Rey triumph tonight, the 35-year-old would equal Marcelo as the player with the most trophies in the history of the club.
Furthermore, Real Madrid have lost more Copa del Rey finals (20) than they have won (19), a record that Carlo Ancelotti & co. will be hoping to set straight tonight.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
