Real Madrid welcomes Osasuna to the Bernabéu for the first leg of their Copa del Rey Round of 16 tie. Los Blancos will be heavy favorites to advance, especially with all signs pointing to Madrid putting out a strong lineup.
Real Madrid vs. Osasuna: Preview and TV Schedule
Osasuna will look to get another positive result against Madrid as they open their Copa del Rey Round of 16 tie.
Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno
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More from our team sites
Carlo Ancelotti called the game "very important" in Wednesday's press conference and also announced that Gareth Bale will make his return to the staring lineup. Whether or not he decides to start the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo or Karim Benzema remains to be seen but both players are on the match day roster. In fact, it's a roster that pretty much resembles every other match day roster for the Merengues.
That could be bad news for Osasuna who are stuck near the bottom of the league table, two points clear of the drop zone. Then again, Osasuna did hold Madrid to a 2-2 draw when the teams met on December 14th so anything is possible...‘magic of the cup’ and all that.
Madrid eliminated Olimpic in the last round while Osasuna knocked off Málaga to advance.
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Raphaël Varane (knee), Sami Khedria (knee), Xabi Alonso (ear).
Osasuna injuries and suspensions
Out: Manuel (thigh), Sisi (knee, Nuno (knee).
Xabi Alonso has a perforated eardrum and will be held out as a precaution.
Projected lineups
Real Madrid: Iker Casillas,Dani Carvajal, Nacho, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Asier Illa, Luka Modrić, Gareth Bale, Isco, Cristiano Ronaldo, Jesé Rodriguez.
Osasuna: Andrés, Marc Bertán, Jordan Lotiès, Alejandro Arribas, Joan Oriol, Patxi Puñal, Lolo, Âlvaro Cejudo, Roberto Torres, Emilano Armenteros, Oriol Riera.
Match Date/Time: 10:30 p.m. local, 4:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain
TV: beIN Sports en Español (U.S.), Sky Sports 2 (U.K.)
Online: beIN Sports Play (U.S.), beIN Sports Play (Canada)
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