All eyes are on El Sadar Stadium as Osasuna gears up to host Real Madrid in a high-stakes La Liga clash scheduled for February 22, 2026, at 00:30 local time. The matchup is set against the backdrop of two teams with vastly different ambitions, but both with everything to play for as the season enters a crucial phase. For Osasuna, the focus is on maintaining their hard-earned mid-table security, while Real Madrid, riding a wave of momentum, seeks to solidify their spot at the top of the league.
Osasuna’s journey this season has been one of resilience and steady progress. After 24 rounds in La Liga, the Pamplona-based club sits 10th, boasting a record of 8 wins, 6 draws, and 10 losses. Their goal tally stands at 28, matched precisely by the number of goals they’ve conceded. Under manager Alessio Lisci, Osasuna has found a pragmatic playing style that has paid dividends, particularly in recent weeks. Not long ago, the team hovered perilously close to the relegation zone, just three points clear in 13th place. But a spirited five-match unbeaten run—three wins and two draws—has seen them pull six points clear of the drop and reignite hopes of a higher finish.
Despite this progress, European qualification remains a distant dream for Osasuna. They trail sixth-placed Espanyol by five points, and the club’s primary focus remains on ensuring their La Liga status for another season. Last year, Osasuna finished 9th, thanks in large part to their formidable home form—eight wins, six draws, and just two defeats at El Sadar. That fortress mentality has carried over into the current campaign, with Osasuna collecting 70% of their points at home. The team is unbeaten in their last five home matches, with three wins and two draws, setting the stage for a stern test against the league leaders.
One of the standout stories for Osasuna has been the emergence of Viktor Muñoz. The 2003-born Spanish winger, once a prized asset in both Barcelona and Real Madrid’s youth systems, has flourished since joining Osasuna ahead of the 2025-2026 season. After moving through the ranks at Real Madrid—joining their youth academy in 2021, earning promotion to Real Madrid Castilla in 2023, and even making a first-team debut in an El Clásico against Barcelona—Muñoz sought regular first-team football elsewhere. His debut for Real Madrid was a baptism of fire: coming on for Vinícius Júnior, he missed a golden opportunity in added time from a Kylian Mbappé pass during a 3-4 defeat, attracting heavy criticism from fans on social media.
But Muñoz’s fortunes have turned in Pamplona. As of February 22, 2026, he’s made 26 appearances for Osasuna, notching five goals and four assists. Alongside prolific striker Ante Budimir—who has 11 goals in 23 league matches—Muñoz has become a key figure in Osasuna’s attack. Real Madrid retains a buyback clause on the talented winger, but Muñoz remains focused on his present. According to British outlet Tribuna, Muñoz stated, “I’m not thinking about a return to Real Madrid at all. I’m happy here, focused on myself, and just trying to improve every day. That’s who I am.”
As Osasuna prepares for this crucial fixture, they’ll be without Iker Benito and Enzo Bóyomo, both sidelined due to injury. The expected starting eleven features Herrera in goal; a back line of Róger, Erando, Catena, and Galán; Toro and Moncayola anchoring midfield; with Rubén García, Viktor Muñoz, and Oroz supporting Budimir up front. The team’s recent home form and the confidence of their young stars could prove pivotal as they aim to extend their unbeaten run at El Sadar.
On the other side of the pitch, Real Madrid arrives in Pamplona brimming with confidence. Under the stewardship of Álvaro Arbeloa, Los Blancos have strung together four consecutive league victories and hold a slender two-point lead over Barcelona at the summit. Their dominance at the Santiago Bernabéu has been nothing short of remarkable, with eight straight home wins propelling them to the top. Even so, the trip to El Sadar presents a unique challenge—last season, Real Madrid dropped points here, drawing 1-1 after an early goal from Kylian Mbappé was canceled out by Ante Budimir, and a red card to Jude Bellingham left them shorthanded.
Despite Real Madrid’s glittering form, history offers Osasuna a glimmer of hope. In their last seven encounters, Osasuna has a surprising edge, with six wins and one draw against the capital giants. That record, coupled with Osasuna’s home resilience, sets the stage for an unpredictable contest. However, Real Madrid’s squad depth and attacking firepower—led by Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior—make them favorites, even as they juggle a demanding fixture list. Arbeloa’s men face a looming second-leg playoff against Benfica, having secured a 1-0 away win in Portugal just days earlier. The congested schedule could force some rotation, especially with Éder Militão and Jude Bellingham ruled out through injury and Rodrygo’s status uncertain.
The anticipated lineup for Real Madrid features Courtois between the posts; a defense of Alexander-Arnold, Asensio, Huijsen, and Carreras; a midfield trio of Valverde, Tchouaméni, and Camavinga; Arda Güler in an advanced role; and an attacking duo of Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. With such firepower, Real is expected to take the initiative, but they’ll need to be wary of Osasuna’s counterattacking threat—especially with Muñoz and Budimir in form.
As kickoff approaches, both teams have much at stake. For Osasuna, it’s about proving their mettle against Spain’s elite and edging closer to safety. For Real Madrid, every point is precious in the title race, especially with Barcelona breathing down their necks. The stage is set for a pulsating encounter, with El Sadar’s passionate crowd sure to play their part.
With Osasuna’s home form and Real Madrid’s relentless pursuit of silverware, this fixture promises drama, intensity, and perhaps a few surprises. As the action unfolds under the floodlights in Pamplona, fans across Spain and beyond will be watching closely to see which narrative prevails. Will Osasuna continue their impressive run, or will Real Madrid’s title charge roll on?
Regardless of the outcome, one thing’s for sure: El Sadar is primed for a night of top-tier football, and both teams are ready to leave it all on the pitch.