Vinicius Junior bagged a hat-trick as Real Madrid returned to winning ways by thrashing Osasuna 4-0 on Saturday afternoon.
LALIGA
Result: Real Madrid 4-0 Osasuna
Date: 09 November 2024
Venue: Santiago Bernabeu
Eduardo Camavinga, Rodrygo and Fran Garcia were recalled to the Los Blancos line-up following the loss to AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League during the week.
It was a slow start for the home side, who struggled to carve out any clear-cut chances in the opening 15 minutes other than a strike from distance.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti was dealt a blow after 20 minutes when Rodrygo was forced with a leg injury and replaced by Brahim Diaz on the right flank.
The injury list grew once again for the home side as Eder Militao had to be stretchered off eight minutes later after going down in agonising pain, with young defender Raul Asencio brought on for his debut.
Los Blancos would go on to get the opening goal ten minutes before the break as Vinicius Junior collected a pass from Jude Bellingham before surging forward and rifling the ball beyond Sergio Herrera.
The lead was doubled three minutes before the break when Asencio sent a superb pass over the top for Bellingham, who raced clear and lobbed the on-rushing Herrera for his first goal of the season.
The hosts carried that momentum into the second half, as goalkeeper Andry Lunin turned provider when his long kick sent Vinicius through on goal, with the Brazilian rounding the goalkeeper to slot into an empty net.
Vinicius did go on to complete his hat-trick with 20 minutes to go as Brahim Diaz did well to win possession high up the pitch before unselfishly teeing up the Brazilian, who took one touch and fired home.
Ancelotti's charges were able to see out the closing stages with relative ease to secure three points and a clean sheet.
