Evening all! Sports Mole's La Liga coverage resumes this evening as Real Madrid welcome Osasuna to the Spanish capital. As it stands, the home side are third in the table, six points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, but have a game in hand on their rivals. Osasuna, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last four, but still sit just three points from the relegation zone. Right, the team news is already in...

So there we have it. No Gareth Bale in the Madrid squad this evening as the Welshman continues to suffer with a flu-like illness. Iker Casillas, Pepe, Fabio Coentrao, Karim Benzema, Xabi Alonso and Dani Carvajal all drop out, meanwhile, with Nacho, Raphael Varane and Marcelo among those returning to the XI. Osasuna, meanwhile, have Oriol Riera as their lone forward. There are also starts in the final third for Emiliano Armenteros and Miguel de las Cuevas. Both managers have selected attacking lineups in the capital.

In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Madrid, who knocked Osasuna out of the Copa del Rey on route to winning the competition against Barcelona this season, have won three of the last five matches, with the further two clashes ending in draws. As mentioned, Los Blancos were 4-2 winners in the corresponding match at the Bernabeu last season, but the points were shared at El Sadar last December.

It has been a very impressive couple of weeks for Madrid, with the capital outfit winning the Copa del Rey against Barcelona on April 16, before beating Bayern Munich 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final last week. They have also been in impressive form in the league, but would still trail leaders and capital rivals Atletico by three points even if they beat Osasuna this evening.

Madrid have also scored eight times without reply in their last two league games and enter the match having won 14 of their 16 league games at the Bernabeu this season. They have also scored 54 times on their own patch and conceded just 14. In truth, it is a big ask for Osasuna to secure a result this evening.

As touched upon, goals have not been an issue for Madrid this season, with 94 in their 33 league games making them the joint-highest scorers in the league alongside Barcelona. Osasuna, however, have managed just 29, which is the second-worst record in La Liga and an indication of why they have struggled this season. Down the other end, Madrid have conceded 32 times - keeping 15 clean sheets in the process - to Osasuna's 54.

Osasuna are unbeaten in their last four in the league, but three of those four games have been draws, with their only win coming away to Almeria at the start of the month. They have managed to quell a losing run, but they are just three points outside of the relegation zone with four games remaining. That said, they are also just two points from 14th position, which is a demonstration of the closeness in the bottom half.

Osasuna's away form this season has been fairly poor, however, with just four wins from their 17 away trips, losing 10 times in the process. They have also scored just 11 times on their travels, which is the worst record in the entire division. They have held Madrid to draws in each of their last two meetings in Pamplona, but it has been a different story on their trips to the capital. Little over five minutes until kickoff...

PREDICTION: In truth, I am finding it difficult to make a case for Osasuna this evening. Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti has rotated his squad, but there is still more than enough quality in that XI to get the job done at the Bernabeu. My score prediction is 3-0 Real Madrid, with Ronaldo on the scoresheet.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. The Bernabeu also beautifully paid tribute to Tito Vilanova, who sadly lost his battle against cancer on Friday. Right, Madrid get the action underway.

Madrid are in Champions League semi-final action against Bayern Munich next week, but first need to make sure they remain in the La Liga title race. As expected, Los Blancos have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes, with the likes of Modric and Isco enjoying plenty of the ball thus far.

Morata is involved for the home side as the Spanish Under-21 international drives into the Osasuna box, but Arribas just does enough to force the striker to lose control. Osasuna gain a free kick moments later when Ramos fells Riera, but the resulting free kick from De las Cuevas is headed clear by the Frenchman Varane.

Another half-chance for Morata as the Madrid forward collects a pass from Di Maria before attempting to find the bottom corner, but Arribas makes a smart block. The resulting corner is delivered by Modric and met by Varane, but his header is wide of the post. Already it is serious pressure from the capital outfit.

Oh my word what a strike. Incredible goal from Ronaldo as the Portuguese collects possession outside the box before firing one into the top corner. That is just a little bit special from the attacker.

Half-chance for Osasuna as Armenteros finds some space in a wide position before delivering into the Madrid box, but Varane just does enough to clear the danger. Another cross comes from Armenteros moments later, but Riera can only head wide of the post. Strong response from the visitors at the Bernabeu.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side as Cejudo delivers a dangerous cross towards Riera, but Varane just manages to turn it behind for a corner. It has been a brilliant response as Armenteros fires just wide from the resulting corner. End-to-end football with 11 minutes on the clock.

Not too much from the home side since they opened the scoring, with Osasuna the team in the driving seat. The rain has started to fall in the capital, meanwhile, which is making the pitch a lot quicker. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital in terms of the final result.

Osasuna continue to battle in the middle of the park and have managed to quell the early pressure from the home side. A through pass from Loe almost finds Riera just outside the Madrid box, but Ramos is on hand to clear the danger. Down the other end, Andres Fernandez comes to clear a through pass from Di Maria.

Another half-chance for Osasuna as Cejudo strikes one from outside the box, but his effort deflects into the arms of Diego Lopez. Isco carries possession into the Osasuna half moments later before finding Ronaldo, but Arribas is across to challenge the Portuguese. It is an open, end-to-end affair in the Spanish capital.

Osasuna continue to threaten as Arribas comes close to meeting a corner from De las Cuevas, but Nacho just does enough to clear at the vital moment. The following corner is delivered towards the near post, but Ramos clears before releasing Di Maria on the counter. His cross is into Ronaldo, but Damia clears the danger.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but the home side are in control of the ball. Osasuna have come to play that is for certain, with De las Cuevas and Armenteros joining Riera in the final third whenever possible. However, it is leaving big gaps for Los Blancos to potentially exploit.

CHANCE! Incredible chance for the home side as Ronaldo puts a cross onto the head of Ramos, but his effort is high of the crossbar. What on earth was the centre-back doing in the Osasuna box?!

It's bright football from the home side as Ronaldo combines with Modric before finding Nacho, who drives a low cross into the box, but Arribas is on hand to make the clearance. The resulting corner is delivered by Modric, but Punal is on hand to head clear. Little under 20 minutes of the first period remaining.

Another half-chance for the home side as Varane meets a cross from Modric, but his header is straight into the arms of Fernandez. Ronaldo is not moving too freely at the moment, meanwhile, with Ancelotti concerned on the sidelines. Not too much from Osasuna in the last few minutes as Madrid continue to dominate.

CLOSE! Opportunity for Madrid to threaten from a free kick as Damia brings Ronaldo to the ground on the left. The resulting free kick is taken by Ronaldo, but his effort just flashes wide of the post.

Another sight of goal for Ronaldo following a deep cross from Marcelo, but the Portuguese had just moved into an offside position. You just get the feeling that Los Blancos want to make this 2-0 before the interval, which would make it very difficult for Osasuna to respond. Little over 10 minutes of the half remaining.

Los Blancos continue to pass and probe outside the Osasuna box, but clear chances have been at a premium. Osasuna must be credited for that, however, with Arribas and Flano both solid at the heart of their defence. Ronaldo is down the left moments later before delivering towards Morata, but Andres collects.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Ronaldo clips a free kick towards Ramos, who was standing all alone inside the Osasuna box, but the centre-back fires high and wide of the crossbar. The Spanish international has had two golden chances to add Madrid's second this evening.

Osasuna are living a charmed life at the moment as Madrid continue to dominate the ball in the final third. Twice Di Maria delivers into the box, but Oriol and Arribas take it in turns to clear the danger. Marcelo has a strike from the edge of the area moments later, but Andres is down to make a really smart save.

Osasuna just cannot keep the ball at the moment as white shirts flood the box. Andres is once more called into action to deny Morata, who had met a low cross from Ronaldo. The away side really need the interval to come. Another Madrid goal at this stage of the proceedings would make it difficult for the visitors.

The home side continue to threaten as Morata uses his power to drive past Arribas, but Andres is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Both Arribas and Morata take knocks, but return to their feet moments later. Little over one minute of the first period remaining. Still Madrid lead from that early Ronaldo strike.

CHANCES! Two chances in quick succession for the home side. First, Andres denies Modric from outside the box, before the Osasuna goalkeeper collects a weak Morata effort. Madrid could have been out of sight in the first period, but somehow Osasuna remain in with a shout at the Bernabeu.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the home side leading courtesy of a terrific long-range strike from Ronaldo. Osasuna have had their moments on the counter, but Madrid have passed up a number of opportunities to add to their tally. As it stands, it is delicately poised.

STATISTICS: The home side have bossed the possession with 65% of the ball, while they have had 11 attempts - six of which have been on target. Osasuna, meanwhile, have failed to hit the target with any of their four attempts. There has not been a single card thus far, which is credit to the referee.

BENCH WATCH: Madrid have a number of options on their bench this evening in the shape of Alonso, Benzema, Coentrao and Pepe. Osasuna, meanwhile, have the likes of Acuna, Omwu and Loties in reserve. One thing is for certain - both managers have the personnel to influence proceedings from the sidelines.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. You just get the feeling that Osasuna need to score the next goal if they are to take something from the match. As it stands, Madrid will move above Barcelona into second position. Right, the away side get the second 45 minutes underway.

No changes for either side at the interval, which is not too much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect that both managers will look to alter proceedings if the score remains 1-0 for the next 20 minutes or so. Los Blancos start the half on the front foot as Ronaldo delivers towards Morata, but Arribas is across to clear at the vital moment, before Isco fouls Punal in an attempt to regain the ball.

CHANCE! Osasuna's best chance of the match falls to Armenteros following a near-post cross from Punal, but the forward just clips his volley wide of the post. It is a slender lead for the home side.

Half-chance for the home side as Modric finds some space outside the box before attempting to place one into the top corner, but his effort was always swinging wide of the post. You just get the feeling that a second for Madrid would ultimately end this match as a contest. Osasuna have not offered too much in attack.

Absolutely wonderful from Ronaldo as the Portuguese finds some space outside the box before firing one right into the top corner. Unstoppable effort from the attacker. I thought he was carrying a knock?!

Well, it is a long way back for Osasuna from this position. Los Blancos are not content with their two goals as the pressure continues to arrive outside the away side's box. This could get a lot worse for Osasuna with little more than 35 minutes of football still to play in the Spanish capital.

Osasuna just cannot keep the ball at the moment as the home side continue to pass and probe in the final third. It would not be a surprise to see Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti look to his bench in the next few moments with the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich to come next week.

SUB! Osasuna are forced into their first change of the match as Loe, who appears to have pulled his hamstring, is replaced by Oier. That could be the season over for Osasuna midfielder Loe.

Madrid have their third of the match and it is Ramos that finally gets in on the act following two golden chances in the first period. It is a beautiful cross from Di Maria and Ramos cannot miss as he plants a powerful header into the back of the net. This is getting a lot worse for Osasuna.

SUB! Madrid make their first change of the match as Ronaldo is replaced by Casemiro. Not too much of a surprise that one ahead of the Bayern clash next week. Two absolute stunners from Ronaldo tonight.

SUB! Osasuna make their second change as their leading scorer Riera is replaced by Acuna. Moments before, Marcelo wanted a penalty after going down inside the Osasuna box, but the referee was not interested. Little over 25 minutes of this contest remaining and the points are going to stay in Madrid.

Another half-chance for the home side as Morata spins on the edge of the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Carvajal is warming up for Madrid, meanwhile, and it would not be a surprise to see the right-back for the final 20 minutes or so.

SUB! The home side make their second change as Alonso enters in place of Modric.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, with changes from both sides slowing the tempo. In truth, this match was over as a contest when Ronaldo scored his second of the match. For Osasuna, it is about damage limitation in the final stages as they battle against relegation.

Possession football for Madrid as the home side continue to pass and probe in the final third. Not too much in terms of an atmosphere at the moment - it is all very straight-forward for the home side, which is what they would have wanted ahead of the Bayern game. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining in Madrid.

Half-chance for the home side as Di Maria finds some space just inside the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of the Osasuna goalkeeper as a Mexican wave flows around the stadium.

SUB! Third and final change for the home side as right-back Carvajal enters the field in place of Di Maria, who has been brilliant this evening and will surely start against Bayern next week.

Sensational atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment, with the home supporters enjoying what they have seen from their side this evening. A half-chance arrives from a Alonso corner, but Nacho cannot make proper contact and the danger is cleared. Moments later, Armenteros hits the deck for Osasuna.

SUB! Osasuna are indeed forced into their third and final change as Armenteros limps off the field, with the striker replaced by Lobato. Both managers have now played all their cards this evening.

It's bright work from Acuna as the Osasuna forward drives down the left before attempting to find De las Cuevas inside the box, but his cross is deflected behind for a corner. The resulting set piece is delivered by Punal and met by Damia, but his effort just drops wide of the post. Lopez was scrambling across goal.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to make it 4-0 as Morata drives into the Osasuna box before rolling a low cross towards Isco, but the former Malaga midfielder cannot make contact at the final moment. Surely Los Blancos will get more chances to add to their tally in the final minutes.

Madrid have their fourth after 83 minutes as Carvajal loops a header over Andres following a terrific pass from Isco. That is the icing on the cake for the home side at the Bernabeu.

It is harsh on Osasuna, but they have really struggled in the second period following a bright first half. Wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment as the home supporters continue to make their voices known. As it stands, Atletico will sit just three points above Madrid in La Liga with three to play.

Osasuna will seemingly end this match with 10 men as Arribas leaves the field holding his shoulder. It looks like it could be a dislocation, which would be terrible news ahead of the final weeks of the season. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining and Madrid are absolutely cruising to three points this evening.

The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the first of those. Not too much to report in truth as the home side continue to utterly dominate possession.

GOAL DISALLOWED! Madrid have the ball in the back of the net as Morata converts from close range, but the referee blows for a free kick, with the Spaniard making contact with Flano.

So there we have it. Real Madrid move three points behind La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid with a comfortable 4-0 win over Osasuna, who remain just three points outside of the relegation zone in 17th position. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!