Four things to note ahead of Osasuna Vs Real Madrid clash

Real Madrid could temporarily surrender their lead in the La Liga if they fail to get the maximum three points at bottom side Osasuna on Saturday.

Real, with two games in hand have a slender one point lead at the top, and could have dropped to second before playing as arch rival Barcelona kick off their game against Alaves hours before Madrid start their match.

Here are four key things to note ahead of this game:

1. Real Madrid's first game in two weeks.

Madrid's last week league fixture against Celta Vigo was postponed due to bad weather, meaning the Los Blancos last competitive match was 15 days ago against Real Sociedad.

This has given the Real players an extended time out, that will have either positive or negative effect on the fitness and psyche of the players, some of who may be match rusty. 

2. Zidane has almost a full squad to select from.

Going into this match, Madrid only have one outfield first team player unavailable for selection. And that is winger Gareth Bale.

James Rodriguez, Pepe, Luka Modric and Marcelo all returned to training last week before the postponed game against Celta Vigo. Right back Dani Carvajal also resumed training earlier this week, making him available for selection.

That gives manager Zidane the wanted selection headache, every manager relishes.  And with the Champions League kicking off soon, Madrid will need a complete squad for perfect rotation.

3. Osasuna's poor home record.

Aside from being currently bottom of the league, Osasuna are yet to win a home match this season.

The team have only managed to get 10 points from 21 league gamed played so far. The Los Rojillos are without a win in their last 13 matches in the league.

4. Historically, Real Madrid have struggled at Pamplona.

Putting their poor form this season aside, Real Madrid are travelling to a ground they've not gotten good results in recent times.

Madrid won the first leg of this match 5-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu. But have struggled in recent times at the Renyo de Navarra.

Madrid's last visit to Osasuna in the La Liga ended in a 2-2 draw. Sergio Ramos was sent off in the first half, as Madrid had to come from two goals down to get a draw.

In the league, Real Madrid haven’t won at Pamplona since 2012. 

In their last seven away games against Osasuna, Madrid have won two, drawn three and lost two. Madrid's last victory against Osasuna came in the Copa del Rey in 2015, as goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Di María helped Real Madrid to a 2-0 win over their host.