After being thrashed by Barcelona in the league Clasico and outclassed by AC Milan in the Champions League, Carlo Ancelotti’s team desperately needed this confidence-boosting win at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Spanish and European champions demolished Osasuna with Vinicius’ hat-trick, while Jude Bellingham netted his first goal of the season for Los Blancos.
Despite his superstar status, Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe couldn’t score once again, tallying just one goal in his last seven appearances. Meanwhile, Brazilian duo Eder Militao and Rodrygo, along with Lucas Vazquez, were forced off due to injuries.
Second-placed Madrid cut Barcelona’s lead in La Liga at the summit by six points ahead of the Catalans’ visit to Real Sociedad on Sunday.
“Vinicius made the difference again today, as he has done on many occasions,” Madrid coach Ancelotti told reporters.
The Brazilian finished as the runner-up in the Ballon d’Or voting despite being the favorite to win it at the end of October, narrowly losing to Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
“(Not winning) the Ballon d’Or is a small detail that has not affected him, given what we’ve seen today,” added Ancelotti.
After the Milan defeat, the Italian coach included Rodrygo in the starting lineup, switching back to a 4-3-3 formation.
The Brazilian winger forced a save from Sergio Herrera but had to be substituted due to a knee issue after a fast-paced start to the game.
Militao was stretchered off before the 30-minute mark, clutching the back of his right knee after going down in Osasuna’s penalty area.
The defender spent much of last season sidelined due to a knee injury, and with David Alaba, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Dani Carvajal already injured, his absence has been especially problematic for Madrid.
Ancelotti made the decision to bring on 21-year-old defender Raul Asencio to replace the injured Militao, giving the young player his debut for the senior team. Asencio, who has progressed through the ranks of Real Madrid’s youth academy, was entrusted with an important role in the defense during the match, marking a significant milestone in his career. His promotion to the first team highlights the club’s confidence in their academy products and offers him a valuable opportunity to showcase his potential at the highest level.
Vinicius’ Hat-Trick
Despite the setbacks, Madrid went ahead in the 34th minute when Bellingham assisted Vinicius, who curled the ball in at the near post.
England international Bellingham, whose goals were crucial for Madrid last season, opened his account for this campaign with a brilliant lob, following a long pass from Asencio that sent him clear on goal.
Vinicius scored his second when Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, replacing the injured Thibaut Courtois, played a long ball to the forward. Vinicius then rounded the keeper to finish.
The winger scored his ninth goal in six games across all competitions to seal his hat-trick.
Brahim Diaz regained possession deep in Osasuna’s half and passed the ball to Vinicius, who slotted home to complete the rout.
After Vinicius was substituted in the closing stages, Mbappé took up his preferred position on the left but couldn’t score, as his struggles continued, even though Madrid’s issues began to subside.
“(Mbappe) combined well… he didn’t score, but he was always there,” said Ancelotti.
“Before and after (this run), he will score again, without a doubt.
“Today, Vini and Bellingham scored; in the next game, he could score.”
Real Madrid’s clean sheet marked the end of a streak of nine goals conceded in their previous three home games.
Once Madrid took the lead, Osasuna, in fifth place, quickly lost momentum.
“We lacked intensity, rhythm… it was a game to forget,” admitted Osasuna’s Jon Moncayola, speaking to DAZN.
“(It was) 4-0, and they could even have scored more.”
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