Real Madrid did not show any weakness in Pamplona and won 4:2 at CA Osasuna. Vinicius Junior scored twice for the Whites, who remain in a commanding position at the top of the table
It’s been a tough few weeks for CA Osasuna: After losing 2-0 to second-placed FC Girona, coach Jagoba Arrasate’s side made two changes (Moi Gomez and José Arnaiz came in for Aimar and Ruben Garcia) to face leaders Real Madrid.
Real have only conceded one defeat in the league this season, and the Whites are unbeaten in eleven matches in all competitions. Coach Carlo Ancelotti introduced three new players from the start compared to the 4-0 win over Celta Vigo: Carvajal, Tchouameni and Kroos replaced Vasquez, Nacho and Modric.
Open exchange of blows at the start
Both teams played boldly forward from the start and were rewarded early on: Vinicius Junior scored unchallenged after a momentous mistake by Catena to make it 0:1 (4′), Budimir equalized for the home side just three minutes later following a corner (7′).
Vinicius Junior almost gave the visitors the lead again immediately. This time, however, the Brazilian failed to beat Herrera in the Osasuna goal (9′). Real tried to gain the upper hand in the game. As the game progressed, they increasingly succeeded, but Osasuna also remained courageous and created some good chances through Areso (16) and José Arnaiz (40), for example.
Carvajal scores with the outside of the foot
The Madrilenians took the lead again, however: Fede Valverde’s technically demanding cross was finished off by Carvajal with an equally impressive strike from outside the box (18′).
Real already showed their superiority after taking the lead – and the Whites’ dominance increased in the second half. There were no more attacking moves from Osasuna and instead the game became rougher
Brahim Diaz scores – Vinicius Junior scores a brace
After just under an hour, Real were once again able to make their mark and promptly put the game beyond doubt. First Brahim Diaz scored – the attacker made his way towards goal after Fede Valverde’s header was extended and scored in the right corner (61′) – and shortly afterwards it was Vinicius Junior again who put the ball past Osasuna keeper Herrera (64′). Fede Valverde provided the assist for the third time in the match.
Real continued to have the better chances. It was only shortly before the end that the visitors slowed down their own play. Osasuna scored their second goal through Iker Munoz (90.+1), but there was no change to the defeat.
After the international break, Osasuna visit UD Almeria on Holy Saturday (March 30, 4.15pm). The following day (9pm), Real Madrid host Athletic Bilbao.
