Real Madrid 4-0 CA Osasuna: Match review | OneFootball

The Santiago Bernabeu faithful, after quite some time, witnessed a Real Madrid special as Los Blancos steamrolled passed CA Osasuna by 4-0.

As expected, Real Madrid began with a 4-3-3 lineup: Rodrygo was slotted up front, and Ferland Mendy was benched in favour of Fran García.

However, Carlo Ancelotti had to make changes to his plan just 20 minutes in, as Rodrygo suffered yet another injury and was subbed off for Brahim Díaz. The Brazilian is reportedly set to return in the beginning of December.

Matters took a turn for the worst as Eder Militao went down inside his box, screaming in agony. He was stretchered off the field and after the match, it was reported that the defender had suffered ‘a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament’ – as a result, he is ruled out for the rest of the season.

The injuries did not stop the Merengues from playing at their best as Vinicius Junior netted home a ball laid down to him by Jude Bellingham and Real Madrid took the lead in the 34th minute.

A few minutes later, Raul Asencio, the Castilla defender who was brought on for Eder Militao, played a magnificent long ball to find Jude Bellingham, with the Englishman finding the back of the net for the first time this season.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side managed to get past the opening half with a comfortable lead despite being riddled with injuries.

Yet another injury came back to haunt the men in white as the only right-back in the side, Lucas Vazquez, was subbed off for Luka Modric. As a result, Fede Valverde played as a right-back for the rest of the match.

Real Madrid continued to dominate possession in the 2nd half, in what looked like a side performing at the level they are used to.

Andriy Lunin also joined the party as the Ukrainian found Vinícius on the counter and the Brazilian made it look smooth as he went around the keeper and slotted his second goal of the night.

Osasuna looked clueless with their centre-back Flavien Boyomo being robbed off possession in his own box by Brahim who played a simple pass to Vini as the winger scored his second hattrick of the season.

This capped off an inch-perfect display from the Vikings as they ran past a side which was expected to present a challenge.

The area of concern – the defence – still remains, but Raul Asencio’s emergence would give them a boost. Fede Valverde had a solid outing as a right-back too and can fill in, but Florentino Perez needs to reinforce these positions in January.

The international break is up next as players will join their respective sides to feature in friendlies, the UEFA Nations League and the World Cup qualifiers. Upon return, 14th placed Leganes awaits Real Madrid on 24th October.