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March 17, 2024

CA Osasuna 2-4 Real Madrid: Vinicius Jr Shines as Madrid Extend La Liga Lead – La Liga

Real Madrid reinforced their dominance in La Liga with a 4-2 victory over Osasuna at Estadio El Sadar. Vinicius Junior, a standout performer for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, opened the scoring and added another in the second half, playing a pivotal role in Madrid’s commanding win.

Vinicius’ brace helped Real Madrid increase their lead to 10 points at the top of the table. The match was lively, with Osasuna contributing significantly, but their defense struggled to contain Real Madrid’s attacking firepower.

After an hour, the game was finely poised, with Ante Budimir’s goal leveling the score following Vinicius’ early opener. Dani Carvajal’s brilliant half-volley restored Madrid’s lead, but the home side remained competitive.

However, Madrid broke through Osasuna’s defense twice quickly. Brahim Díaz and Vinicius Jr scored within three minutes to put the game out of reach.

Osasuna, who remain 10th in La Liga, continued to press and earned a deserved consolation in injury time through substitute Iker Muñoz. Despite their efforts, they were unable to prevent Madrid’s clinical performance.

Talking Point – Vinicius Should Borrow Balotelli’s Shirt

Vinicius Junior may not share the colorful off-field antics of the enigmatic Mario Balotelli—there have been no reports of fireworks going off in his Madrid mansion—but after scoring a cheeky second goal, it wouldn’t be surprising if he lifted his shirt to reveal Balotelli’s iconic “Why Always Me?” message from the Manchester derby 13 years ago.

While Vinicius dazzles on the pitch, his occasional indiscipline can be frustrating for Carlo Ancelotti, as highlighted by his unnecessary booking—his third in consecutive La Liga matches, alongside two in the UEFA Champions League. This will sideline him for the clash against Atlético Madrid. Yet, it’s hard to stay annoyed at a player who displayed lethal poaching skills to net the opener and followed up with an audacious finish for his brace. Ancelotti’s reaction when subbing him off—a warm embrace—suggests he sees the value in nurturing Vinicius, hoping his missteps won’t impact the team too severely.

Player of the Match – Fede Valverde (Real Madrid)

While Vinicius deserves some recognition, Fede Valverde has stepped up in recent games, taking on a more creative midfield role—possibly enhanced by Jude Bellingham’s absence. Valverde is showing he can fill the void Luka Modrić will leave if he departs Madrid this summer. 

He assisted all three of Real’s last goals with a clever turn and hooked cross, a flick-on header (despite taking a knock for his efforts), and an intelligent chest pass into Bellingham’s path.

Player Ratings

Osasuna: Sergio Herrera 6; Unai Garcia 5, Catena 4, Herrando 6; Areso 7, Moncayola 6, Torro 6, Moi Gomez 6, Mojica 6; Budimir 7, Arnaiz 7.

Subs: Ruben Garcia 6, Ibanez 6, Munoz 7, Raul Garcia 6, Cruz 6.

Real Madrid: Lunin 6; Carvajal 7, Rüdiger 7, Tchouameni 6, Mendy 6; Camavinga 7, Kroos 7, Fede Valverde 9*; Brahim Díaz 8; Vinicius 9, Rodrygo 7.

Subs: Modrić 6, Nacho 6, Vázquez 6, Fran García 6, Güler 7.

Match Highlights

• 4′ GOAL! OSASUNA 0-1 REAL MADRID (Vinicius Jr): You can’t defend like that against Real Madrid! Catena attempted to take on Vinicius Junior 30 yards from his own goal but lost possession. The Brazilian sprinted diagonally toward goal, nudging the ball past the goalkeeper for an easy finish.

• 7′ GOAL! OSASUNA 1-1 REAL MADRID (Budimir): What a thrilling start to the match! Real Madrid struggled to defend a set piece. Carvajal inadvertently flicked the ball to the back post, where Hernando turned it across the goal for Budimir to finish.

• 18′ GOAL! OSASUNA 1-2 REAL MADRID (Carvajal): Valverde was found by a lofted pass from Kroos, turned, and played the ball across the area. Carvajal angled a stunning half-volley into the net with the outside of his right boot.

• 61′ GOAL! OSASUNA 1-3 REAL MADRID (Brahim): A fantastic finish from the former Milan player. Lunin’s long goal kick was flicked on by Valverde, allowing Brahim to race one-on-one with Herrera and coolly slot the ball past him for his ninth goal of the season.

• 64′ GOAL! OSASUNA 1-4 REAL MADRID (Vinicius Jr): Valverde intercepted a pass from Rüdiger and squared the ball to Vinicius Junior, who dribbled into the six-yard box and executed an audacious dink over the goalkeeper, with Hernando unable to clear it off the line.

• 90+1′ GOAL! OSASUNA 2-4 REAL MADRID (Muñoz): Areso pulled the ball back from the byline to Munoz, who controlled it well and drilled a low shot under Lunin’s legs, much to the crowd’s delight.

• 90+4′ WHAT AN EFFORT! Güler nearly scored a sensational goal just inside the Osasuna half, forcing Herrera to backpedal desperately. The shot hit the crossbar and bounced away!

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