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Osasuna vs. Real Madrid: Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and More

Steven Cook@@stevencookinX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IVMarch 28, 2012

MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 06: Gonzalo Higuain of Real Madrid tries to keep the ball in play during the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Osasuna at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on November 6, 2011 in Madrid, Spain.  (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Denis Doyle/Getty Images

After two disappointing draws in their last three games, Real Madrid look to build their league lead in an interesting La Liga matchup against Osasuna.

Barcelona are now six points shy of Real Madrid after their six straight wins, and Real Madrid are feeling the heat.  

Osasuna could be a pest for Real Madrid's title hopes if they can pull out a victory. They've already mounted one shocking upset by topping Barcelona, 3-2, back in February.

Osasuna is in sixth place and is looking to continue their climb in the standings.

Let's take a look at everything you need to know for this one. 

Where: Reyno de Navarra Stadium, Pamplona, Spain

When: Saturday, March 31 at 1:50 p.m. ET

Live Stream: ESPN3

 

Player to Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo

If there's one person that the hype of Lionel Messi has adversely affected, it's Cristiano Ronaldo.

Easily the second-best player in the world, Ronaldo has been tearing through this season's La Liga campaign to the tune of 35 goals, tied for the league lead with Messi. 

MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 24: Cristiano Ronaldo (#7) of Real Madrid CF gets past Cadamuro of Real Sociedad de Futbol during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Real Sociedad de Futbol   at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 24, 2012 in Madrid, Spain.
Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Ronaldo has scored six goals in Real Madrid's last five La Liga games and has taken nearly 40 more shots than any other player in Spain. Look for Ronaldo to be inside the penalty box early and often to carve up Osasuna. 

Key Matchup: Real Madrid Forwards vs. Osasuna Back Line

If Osasuna wants to improve their already-impressive 8-5-2 home record, their defense will have to be stellar in keeping the ball away from Real Madrid's dangerous forwards.

Osasuna will have to nearly keep their opposition scoreless in order to win, as Real Madrid have only given up 26 goals on the season. 

It's inevitable that Real Madrid's skilled team will dominate possession with the talent of Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Mesut Ozil up front, but Osasuna's backs will need to make some big tackles to ensure that their Raul Garcia, their striker, will be able to get some touches in the offensive zone. 

What They're Saying

Ozil, Real Madrid's prized forward, recently revealed that he mulled joining Inter after the 2010 World Cup before opting to stay with Real Madrid.  

"It is true that in 2010 I had offers from some top European clubs. This included Inter. But the decision to go to Real was absolutely right. It's the best club in the world, and I would like to end my career here," Ozil told Sport-Bild.

It's safe to say that many Real Madrid fans wouldn't mind keeping Ozil around for many more years. 

Prediction: Madrid win 2-0

Osasuna should be fired up to play at home with a decent place in the standings, but in the end, there will just be too much Real Madrid to handle.

Ronaldo should be able to tally at least one goal to jump in front of Messi with 36 goals for the season.