After a rough couple of weeks, Real Madrid has managed to get a handle on some of its problems thanks to two Cristiano Ronaldo-backed wins proceeding a winter hiatus.

However, Los Blancos must prove they can be victorious without their go-to player as they face off against the bottom-tabled Osasuna on Saturday. After receiving his fifth yellow card, the superstar will have to sit out the matchup.

Ronaldo put two balls into the back of the net in a compelling 4-3 win over Real Sociedad last weekend prior to a hat-trick when Madrid advanced into the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey with a 4-0 victory against Celta Vigo on Wednesday.

Although there's been speculation over Ronaldo's long-term future, the Portuguese footballer has been superb on the pitch lately. While his current absence will leave an obvious void for Jose Mourinho to overcome, the boss will more than likely receive more flak over his goalkeeping choices.

Iker Casillas has been left out of Madrid's past two league games, but his replacement Antonio Adan is now in the midst of a suspension following the match versus Sociedad.

Defender Sergio Ramos is also under disciplinary action, as he must serve a five-match ban for personally insulting the referee who removed him in the game versus Celta Vigo.

Casillas was given the start against Celta Vigo and stated that initially losing his starting position has only motivated him to work harder.

"What I have to do is train more and be as driven as possible to make my return. My toughest battle is with myself and regaining the coach's confidence. I have to push much more - especially for the Real Madrid faithful, who are behind me," Casillas told Real Madrid's official website.

For those who have a subscription to Sky Sports, simply log onto www.skysports.com/xtra to watch Real Madrid face off against Osasuna. Coverage of the La Liga game is set to begin at 8 p.m. CET on Saturday, Jan. 12.

Tags
La Liga, International Soccer