Real Madrid cruised to a big win but lost three players to injury

Real Madrid put on a spectacular display against Osasuna with a commanding 4-0 victory, led by a dazzling hat-trick from Vinicius Junior.

However, the emphatic win was bittersweet, as it came at a heavy cost for the reigning Spanish champions. The team was left counting their losses, with three key players Rodrygo, Éder Militão, and Lucas Vazquez forced off due to injuries in the first half. What should have been a straightforward win at the Santiago Bernabéu turned into a tense affair, with concerns mounting about the potential long-term impact of these injuries.

The match began with Madrid dominating possession, showing the kind of fluid attacking football that has become their trademark under Carlo Ancelotti. Yet, the early rhythm was disrupted when Rodrygo pulled up, clutching his leg. The Brazilian winger, who has been a consistent performer this season, appeared to suffer a muscle strain and was taken off as a precaution. His substitution was quickly followed by another blow for Madrid as Lucas Vazquez was caught in a heavy challenge, forcing him to exit the field limping. The home crowd's unease grew, but the most alarming moment came shortly after when Éder Militão collapsed to the turf. The central defender had landed awkwardly and immediately grabbed his knee, signaling serious trouble. Militão’s distress was evident, and the medical staff rushed to assist him off the pitch. His injury sparked genuine concern, given his importance to Madrid's defense and the looming fixtures in both La Liga and the Champions League.

In a surprising move, Ancelotti brought on Raul Asencio, a 21-year-old debutant from the youth academy, to replace Militão. Despite the high-pressure situation, Asencio entered the game with a calm demeanor that belied his inexperience. He quickly made his presence felt, delivering a pinpoint long ball from deep in Madrid's half to Jude Bellingham in the 42nd minute. Bellingham, showing his trademark control and vision, deftly set up Vinicius Junior, who had already been threatening Osasuna’s backline. Vinicius calmly slotted the ball into the net, giving Real Madrid the lead in the 34th minute and easing some of the growing tension in the stadium.

Vinicius’s opener seemed to reignite Madrid’s attacking intent. The Brazilian forward was in scintillating form, consistently outpacing Osasuna’s defenders and creating opportunities. The second half saw Madrid capitalize on their dominance, with Vinicius once again at the center of the action. In the 61st minute, a long clearance from goalkeeper Andriy Lunin found Vinicius sprinting past the defense. With his blistering speed and precise finishing, he doubled Madrid’s lead, leaving the visiting side with little hope of a comeback. The Bernabéu erupted in applause as the Brazilian celebrated with his trademark flair.

The third goal came just eight minutes later, showcasing Vinicius’s tenacity and opportunism. A defensive mistake by Boyomo handed the ball straight to Vinicius, who made no mistake in burying it into the net, completing his hat-trick and effectively putting the game out of Osasuna’s reach. It was a masterclass performance from Vinicius Junior, who demonstrated why he is considered one of the brightest young talents in world football. His pace, skill, and finishing were simply too much for Osasuna to handle.

Despite the comfortable scoreline, Ancelotti chose to manage his players carefully in the final stages of the match, especially after the midweek 3-1 defeat to AC Milan in the Champions League. With Madrid in control, the Italian manager opted to rest his key players, substituting Bellingham and Vinicius Junior. Their replacements, Arda Güler and Endrick, brought fresh energy to the side and showcased glimpses of their potential, though the game was already decided by then.

The win leaves Real Madrid with 27 points from 13 rounds, though they still have a game in hand, keeping them firmly in the hunt for the La Liga title. However, they trail Barcelona by six points, as the Catalan giants prepare to face Real Sociedad in a critical away match on Sunday. Barcelona’s trip to San Sebastián will close out the round and could extend their lead at the top, putting added pressure on Madrid to continue winning.

Meanwhile, Osasuna, who have been one of the surprise packages of the season and even inflicted Barcelona’s only league defeat, found themselves outclassed at the Bernabéu. Despite their strong start to the campaign, the heavy loss may have dented their confidence as they risk dropping out of the top five by the end of the matchday, depending on other results.

The injuries to key players will be a major concern for Ancelotti, especially with crucial fixtures on the horizon. Militão’s knee problem, in particular, could spell a lengthy spell on the sidelines, which would be a significant blow given his role as a defensive anchor. Rodrygo’s muscle issue and Vazquez’s knock, though seemingly less severe, will also require careful management to avoid aggravating the injuries further.

Real Madrid’s emphatic victory, fueled by Vinicius Junior’s brilliance, showcased their attacking depth and resilience, but the celebrations were tempered by the physical toll it took on their squad. With the season heating up and the race for the title intensifying, Ancelotti will need all hands on deck as they look to challenge Barcelona and maintain their push for both domestic and European glory. As the focus shifts to their upcoming matches, the extent of the injuries suffered in this game could play a pivotal role in shaping Madrid’s season trajectory.