“Tough battle” awaits Real Madrid in Osasuna, warns Arbeloa | OneFootball

Alvaro Arbeloa warned that Real Madrid will face a “tough battle” when they travel to face Osasuna on Saturday.

Having found a way past Benfica in midweek UEFA Champions League action, los Blancos are now looking to extend their LaLiga lead over Barcelona – but a trip to tenth-placed Osasuna won’t be easy, as Arbeloa explained in his pre-match press conference.

The Spaniard told reporters: “They’ve gone two months unbeaten at home. They’re a team in tremendous form.

“We all know how difficult a trip to El Sadar is for Real Madrid. I only won one of my trips there as a player.

“We’re very aware of the tough battle ahead, of the opponent’s level, and of the excellent work of their coach. We’re going to prepare in the best possible way, knowing that the three points would be extremely important.”

The 43-year-old praised the development he has seen from his side since taking charge in January, explaining that “the team has grown a lot in recent weeks.

“We are aware of the demands of this club and we want to keep working. The league season is very long but for me, it has barely even begun.

“We have a very difficult away match, as they all are, and our objective now isn’t to relax because to win every match, you have to be at 100%,” he said.

Arbeloa also issued updates on Kylian Mbappé’s fitness, revealing that the Frenchman is “feeling better every day” after returning from a knee injury.

The former PSG forward featured in Real Madrid’s Champions League meeting with Benfica, and Arbeloa confirmed that “his knee is much better. It’s not completely gone away, but he is feeling better every day.”

Osasuna v Real Madrid kicks off at Estadio El Sadar at 17:30 GMT on Saturday 21 February, with los Blancos able to move five points clear of Barcelona with a win.