In a thrilling display of football prowess, Real Madrid left their fans ecstatic after a decisive 4-0 victory over Osasuna. Los Blancos completely outclassed the visiting team, with Vinicius Junior as the star of the show, delivering an unforgettable hat-trick performance.
Despite suffering from significant injuries early in the match, Real Madrid displayed their resilience and depth, highlighting their determination to stay competitive in La Liga.
This powerful win not only restored confidence after recent setbacks but also intensified the pressure on league leaders Barcelona.
Real Madrid came into this game facing mounting pressure, especially after a series of disappointing losses, including a heavy defeat to Barcelona and a tough Champions League loss to AC Milan.
The stakes were high as they faced an Osasuna side brimming with confidence. Osasuna, currently fifth in La Liga and in the hunt for European football, had previously demonstrated their ability to compete with the league’s best.
Injury Troubles Early in the Game
The game wasn’t without drama. In the early minutes, Real Madrid fans were alarmed as Rodrygo limped off with what seemed to be a hamstring injury. This was soon followed by another blow when Militao went down clutching his knee, leaving the pitch on a stretcher and sparking concerns of an ACL injury. These unexpected setbacks forced Carlo Ancelotti to make some tactical adjustments, bringing in Brahim Diaz and Castilla graduate Raul Asencio to fill the gaps.
Vinicius Opens the Scoring
Despite the early disruptions, Real Madrid quickly regained control. The opening goal came in the 34th minute when Vinicius latched onto a precise pass from Jude Bellingham, weaving his way past defenders before firing past Osasuna’s goalkeeper, Sergio Herrera.
The Santiago Bernabeu erupted as Vinicius celebrated his sixth goal of the La Liga season, a crucial strike that set the tone for the remainder of the match.
Bellingham’s Moment of Brilliance
Just eight minutes later, Real Madrid doubled their lead with a moment of pure quality. Bellingham, once again the orchestrator, received a perfectly executed long ball from Asencio, who had replaced Militao.
With remarkable composure, Bellingham chipped the ball over Herrera to make it 2-0. The goal showcased Real Madrid’s tactical versatility and depth, with Bellingham proving once again why he’s become an essential part of the squad.
Vinicius’ Second and Third Goals
After halftime, Real Madrid continued to dominate the game, with Vinicius determined to add to his tally. In the 61st minute, a long ball from goalkeeper Andriy Lunin found Vinicius in full stride.
With blistering pace, he rounded Herrera and tapped the ball home, securing his second goal of the game.
Just eight minutes later, Vinicius completed his hat-trick, taking advantage of a defensive lapse from Osasuna. Diaz capitalized on an Osasuna error, squared the ball to Vinicius, who slotted it into the net with ease.
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Real Madrid’s Tactical Brilliance
Real Madrid’s performance was not only impressive in terms of goals but also in terms of their overall play. Despite a modest expected goals (xG) tally of 2.91, they managed to score four goals, showcasing their efficiency in front of goal. Their midfield and forward players consistently disrupted Osasuna’s defensive structure, creating numerous scoring opportunities.
Moreover, Real’s defensive stability, even in the absence of Militao, was commendable. Osasuna, who are known for their counter-attacking abilities, struggled to find any space or momentum. Real Madrid held them to an xG of just 0.05, with Osasuna failing to register a single shot on target throughout the match.
Vinicius and Bellingham: The Dynamic Duo
Vinicius and Bellingham’s partnership was the highlight of the match. Bellingham’s vision and precision passing allowed Vinicius to thrive, while Vinicius’ pace and finishing ability kept the Osasuna defense under constant pressure. This duo has become essential for Real Madrid, providing both creativity and a reliable goal threat.
Vinicius’ hat-trick marked his first since May 2022, demonstrating his growth and maturity as a forward. Meanwhile, Bellingham’s contributions in midfield have transformed Real Madrid’s attacking dynamics, allowing them to move seamlessly from defense to offense.
Real Madrid’s Revival After Recent Setbacks
This resounding victory was a welcome morale boost for Real Madrid, who had recently faced setbacks in both domestic and European competitions.
The team’s ability to bounce back from adversity and play with such dominance reflects their determination to challenge Barcelona for the La Liga title.
Although they still trail Barcelona by several points, performances like these indicate that Real Madrid has the quality and resilience needed to stay in the title race.
