In the Osasuna vs Real Madrid clash, Vinicius Jr led Real Madrid to a 4-0 win with a stunning hat-trick, despite injuries to Militao, Rodrygo, and Vazquez. Get player ratings, match highlights, and post-match reactions from this La Liga showdown.
Real Madrid 4-0 Osasuna: Vinicius Junior Shines with Hat-trick as Madrid Overcomes Injury Woes
Match Result
Real Madrid surged back to form with a decisive 4-0 victory over Osasuna, led by a hat-trick from Vinicius Junior that reinforced his growing status among the world’s elite players. The Brazilian’s clinical finishing and electric performance brought relief to a Madrid side that entered the match under pressure following consecutive home defeats to Barcelona and AC Milan. However, the celebrations were tempered by serious injuries to Eder Militao, Rodrygo, and Lucas Vazquez, casting a shadow over an otherwise dominant performance.
Match Highlights
Real Madrid started assertively, showcasing an intensity that had been absent in recent matches. Manager Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical shift to a 4-3-3 formation allowed the team to press high and dictate play, particularly through the creative forces of Vinicius and Rodrygo on the wings, with Kylian Mbappe spearheading the attack.
The first half was marked by early drama, as Rodrygo was forced off just 20 minutes in due to a hamstring injury, visibly distressed as he left the field. Madrid’s injury woes worsened a few minutes later when Eder Militao went down unchallenged, clutching his right knee. The Bernabeu fell silent as he was stretchered off with a suspected serious knee injury, having previously suffered a torn ACL in his left knee.
Despite these setbacks, Real Madrid’s resolve remained unshaken. In the 32nd minute, Jude Bellingham cushioned a header to Vinicius, who danced past his marker and whipped a powerful shot inside Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera’s near post, opening the scoring with precision.
Eight minutes later, Raul Asencio, who had replaced Militao, delivered a superb long ball over the top to Bellingham. The England international expertly controlled it before lofting a delicate finish over Herrera to double Madrid’s lead before halftime, marking his first goal of the season.
Madrid dominated the second half, capitalizing on Osasuna’s inability to keep possession. Lucas Vazquez, Madrid’s stand-in captain, sustained another hamstring injury before halftime and was replaced by Luka Modric, who effortlessly directed play as the team’s midfield anchor.
Vinicius continued his offensive display in the second half, netting two more goals to complete his hat-trick. His second goal came from an expertly launched counter-attack by goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who found Vinicius with a perfectly weighted pass. Vinicius received the ball in stride and calmly slotted it past Herrera, making it 3-0.
With around 20 minutes to go, Brahim Diaz, who replaced Rodrygo, stole the ball high up the pitch, unselfishly setting up Vinicius for his third goal. The Brazilian capped his stellar performance with this final strike, further bolstering his potential for a Ballon d’Or campaign in the coming years.
Post-Match Reaction
The impressive performance drew praise for Real Madrid’s resilience in the face of adversity. The players’ response to the recent criticism and the challenges of multiple injuries highlighted a renewed focus under Carlo Ancelotti, whose calm demeanor on the touchline mirrored his satisfaction with the team’s response. “The injuries are a concern, of course, but the spirit we showed today was exceptional,” Ancelotti remarked in his post-match interview. “We were unlucky with the injuries, but the team stayed focused, and Vinicius’ performance was inspiring.”
Vinicius, who was awarded the Player of the Match, expressed his gratitude for the support he received from fans and teammates. “It was a tough game emotionally with the injuries, but we stayed united,” Vinicius stated. “I’m happy to score, but the main thing is that we won, and I hope my teammates recover soon.”
Injury Updates
Eder Militao’s knee injury was a significant concern for Real Madrid, as the Brazilian defender had previously endured a torn ACL. The club’s medical staff confirmed they will conduct scans to determine the extent of the injury. Ancelotti described Militao’s situation as “heartbreaking,” noting, “He has been through this before, and he’s a vital player for us.”
Rodrygo’s early hamstring issue is also under review, while Lucas Vazquez’s hamstring strain will likely sideline him for several games, adding to Madrid’s depth concerns in the defensive and attacking flanks. Madrid fans took to social media to express both relief over the victory and anxiety about the mounting injury list.
Player Ratings and Tactical Analysis
Real Madrid’s return to the 4-3-3 formation seemed effective, balancing offensive pressure with defensive stability. Key players contributed across the board:
Andriy Lunin (GK, 7/10): Lunin had minimal work to do in goal but proved invaluable in assisting Madrid’s third goal with a precise counter-attacking pass to Vinicius.
Antonio Rudiger (CB, 7/10): Anchored the defense effectively, adjusting his positioning in the second half to keep Osasuna at bay.
Federico Valverde (DM, 7/10): Steadily held Madrid’s midfield, especially as injury concerns forced him to play deeper.
Eduardo Camavinga (CM, 8/10): Controlled midfield transitions, contributing both defensively and offensively to maintain Madrid’s grip on the game.
Jude Bellingham (CM, 8/10): Bellingham delivered one of his best performances, showcasing precision and timing with his header assist and goal.
Vinicius Junior (LW, 10/10): The clear standout, Vinicius demonstrated his scoring prowess with three clinical finishes, underscoring his aspirations for individual honors.
Substitutes such as Raul Asencio (7/10) and Brahim Diaz (8/10) also made significant impacts, with Diaz assisting Vinicius’ hat-trick goal.
News and Updates
Real Madrid’s win has already generated excitement about Vinicius Junior’s potential on the world stage. With a hat-trick that embodied his creativity and finishing skills, the Brazilian’s performance will likely fuel discussions around his candidacy for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. Ancelotti’s side now faces the challenge of maintaining momentum despite the injury setbacks.
In the coming weeks, Madrid will face strong opposition in both La Liga and the Champions League, requiring tactical flexibility from Ancelotti and opportunities for Madrid’s bench players to step up.
Final Thoughts
While Real Madrid’s victory against Osasuna showcased the team’s depth and attacking prowess, the injuries to Militao, Rodrygo, and Vazquez have cast a cloud over the result. Madrid’s ability to adapt to these challenges will be crucial, especially as the season progresses and competition intensifies.
Real Madrid fans can find hope in Vinicius Junior’s meteoric rise, and if his form continues, he could indeed secure a place among the game’s elite in the coming years. Ancelotti’s management and tactical tweaks will be tested as Madrid aims to build on this win, aiming to balance ambition with caution to avoid further injuries. The resilience displayed by the team has set a promising tone, but it’s clear that Madrid must navigate their injury-laden path carefully in the battles ahead.
