Vinicius Jr Hat-Trick response after Ballon d’or disappointment wins the match for Real Madrid

• Real Madrid comfortably won after back-to-back home defeats.

• Injuries to Eder Militao, Rodrygo, and Lucas Vazquez dampen the win.

• Jude Bellingham broke his goal duck to extend the lead before half-time.

• Vinicius Junior scores a hat trick to put behind his Ballon d’Or disappointment.

Match Report

Real Madrid recently suffered two back-to-back home defeats (0-4 v Barcelona, 1-3 v AC Milan) and were under pressure coming into the match. Vinicius Jr. was also disappointed on not winning the Ballon d’Or and it was a fitting response from him and his team against Osasuna.

Real Madrid had a slow start as they were dealt double injury blows. Rodrygo was forced off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury just 20 minutes into play. Then there was further concern for teammate Militao after his right knee seemingly buckled under his weight when unchallenged. The Brazilian was stretchered off to the concern of his teammates and supporters.

The home team and fans’ spirits were lifted shortly after when Vinicius Jr. scored the first goal of the game. Bellingham’s header found Vinicius, who was just onside, and he cut inside Jesus Aruso before shooting inside Herrera’s near post. Eight minutes later, the England playmaker doubled Madrid’s scoreline when Substitute Raul Asencio perfect long ball found him. Bellingham scored his first goal of the season after cushioning a perfectly weighted lob over Herrera.

The start of the second half saw Madrid lose their third player of the night to injury. Lucas Vazquez appeared to have tweaked his hamstring. Madrid looked more in control with Luka Modric playing as they took over the proceedings. Vinicius scored his second goal of the evening after latching onto a wonderful ball from goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. He then completed his hattrick after Brahim Diaz won the ball and superbly assisted for an easy goal for Vinicius.

Real Madrid back on track

Carlo Ancelotti faced a lot of question marks over his team’s form coming into the match. So he and his team would be happy to get some breathing space with the victory. Real Madrid played in a 4-3-3 formation with Mbappe playing the central striker. Los Blancos will hope to sustain this form in the upcoming matches post next week’s international break. Osasuna who had picked up an impressive 21 points from their first 12 matches of the season would look to bounce back.

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