Real Madrid Player Ratings: Osasuna Clash - A Tale of Two Halves
Real Madrid's trip to El Sadar to face Osasuna was a rollercoaster ride, a testament to the unpredictable nature of La Liga. Carlo Ancelotti's side, riding high on their Champions League triumph, faced a resilient Osasuna team determined to spoil the party. The final scoreline of 2-0 flattered Real Madrid, with a dominant second half performance rescuing them from a frustrating first half. Here's a breakdown of the individual player ratings from the game:
Goalkeepers:
- Thibaut Courtois (7/10): The Belgian shot-stopper was a reassuring presence between the sticks. He made a couple of crucial saves in the first half, denying Osasuna a deserved lead. His distribution was also accurate, initiating attacks from the back.
Defenders:
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Dani Carvajal (6/10): A solid performance from the right-back, who defended diligently against Osasuna's attacking threats. His attacking forays were limited but efficient, delivering a dangerous cross for Rodrygo's goal.
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Eder Militao (7/10): The Brazilian centre-back was a wall at the back, making timely interceptions and crucial tackles. He commanded the defense with authority, particularly in the second half when Osasuna's attacking threat waned.
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David Alaba (6/10): The Austrian defender was composed and reliable throughout the match. While he wasn't spectacular, he provided a steady presence in the backline, organizing the defense and distributing the ball efficiently.
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Ferland Mendy (5/10): Mendy struggled to find his rhythm in the first half. His offensive contributions were minimal, and he was vulnerable defensively at times. He improved in the second half but remained less impactful than usual.
Midfielders:
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Aurelien Tchouameni (7/10): The French midfielder was a force in the midfield, winning tackles, breaking up play, and initiating counter-attacks. He had a good understanding of the game and played with the necessary intensity to control the midfield in the second half.
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Eduardo Camavinga (6/10): The young midfielder displayed his usual energy and enthusiasm. He added dynamism to the midfield but his decision-making was occasionally questionable.
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Federico Valverde (7/10): The Uruguayan midfielder had a relatively quiet first half but exploded into action in the second. His tireless running and powerful runs contributed to Real Madrid's dominance. He also provided the assist for Vinicius' goal.
Attackers:
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Vinicius Junior (7/10): The Brazilian winger was a constant threat, causing havoc with his dribbling skills and pace. His goal was a well-taken finish, showcasing his clinical ability. However, his first-half performance was frustratingly inconsistent.
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Karim Benzema (6/10): The French striker was relatively quiet in the first half, struggling to get involved in the game. He came alive in the second half, providing a crucial assist for Rodrygo's goal and playing a key role in the build-up to Vinicius' strike.
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Rodrygo Goes (8/10): The young Brazilian was the standout performer for Real Madrid. His goal was a well-taken volley, showing his clinical finishing ability. He was also involved in the build-up to Vinicius' goal, showcasing his versatility and intelligence on the pitch. He provided the much-needed spark to Real Madrid's attack.
Substitutes:
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Luka Modric (6/10): The Croatian midfielder came on in the second half and provided his usual experience and composure. He helped stabilize the midfield and dictated the pace of the game.
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Dani Ceballos (6/10): The Spanish midfielder replaced Camavinga and contributed to the second-half domination. His creativity and passing ability were valuable in maintaining the momentum.
Overall:
Real Madrid's performance was a mix of frustration and triumph. The first half was a tale of missed opportunities and questionable decision-making, but the second half saw a complete transformation. Ancelotti's side finally found their rhythm, with Rodrygo and Vinicius leading the charge, showcasing their individual brilliance and contributing to a crucial win. This game was a reminder that Real Madrid, even in their dominance, are still capable of moments of vulnerability. However, their ability to overcome adversity and ultimately claim victory is a testament to their quality and resilience.