Player Ratings: Real Madrid 2-0 Osasuna
Goals from Eder Militao and Casemiro keep Real Madrid’s title hopes alive and see Los Blancos close the gap on LaLiga leaders Atletico Madrid to just two points.
Real Madrid started the game brilliantly and could’ve easily been 2-3 goals to the good had it not been for Sergio Herrera. The Osasuna goalkeeper was in inspired form as he pulled off a number of excellent stops to deny Hazard and Militao in the first half.
Real Madrid kept pushing and eventually managed to break the deadlock through Eder Militao. The Brazilian rose highest to head past Sergio Herrera following a brilliant corner from Isco. Minutes later, Casemiro doubled Real Madrid’s lead after Benzema played a through ball to the Brazilian who finished with his first touch.
Zinedine Zidane couldn’t hide his delight on the touchline as his side secured a crucial win to keep up the pace on LaLiga leaders Atletico Madrid while resting both Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. Our player ratings:
Starting XI:
Thibaut Courtois: 7/10
A relatively quiet night for the Belgian. Courtois was barely tested in goal as Real Madrid were in complete control of the game throughout the 90 minutes.
Alvaro Odriozola: 7/10
Eder Militao: 10/10
Yet another magnificent performance from Eder. The Brazilian was unbeatable at the back and was Madrid’s shining light in attack too. The centre-back broke the deadlock with a brilliant header after having had multiple attempts saved by Sergio Herrera in the first half. Superb.
Raphael Varane: 7/10
Solid performance from Varane. The Frenchman put in a decent shift before being substituted at half time with a reported knock to his right leg.
Marcelo: 7/10
Antonio Blanco: 8/10
Casemiro: 8/10
You can always rely on this man. The Brazilian was as solid as ever in midfield and managed to score 10 minutes before the full time whistle to make sure of the result.
Marco Asensio: 7/10
Asensio found himself playing on the right of midfield and further upfront down the right wing. The Spaniard had a couple of bright moments but didn’t manage to impact the game as much as he needed to.
Eden Hazard: 7/10
Karim Benzema: 8/10
Vinicius Jr: 7/10
Substitutions:
Nacho: 7/10 – Came on replace Varane who picked up a knock in the first half. Nacho put in a solid shift and helped Los Blancos keep a clean sheet.
Miguel Gutiérrez: 7/10 – Came on to replace Marcelo. The young Spaniard brought energy and athleticism to the game and helped the team get the result they needed.
Rodrygo: 7/10 – Came on to replace Vinicius. The Brazilian looked sharp during his time on the pitch and came close to breaking the deadlock minutes after coming on.
Isco: 8/10 – Came on to replace Hazard. Isco looked very sharp and was one of the main reasons Madrid managed to secure all three points. The Spaniard assisted Militao for the opener and came close to scoring a goal of his own not long after. Fantastic shift.
Sergio Arribas: 6/10 – Came on to replace Asensio. The Spaniard was brought on with very little time left.
