Real Madrid Player Ratings: Osasuna Game Analysis
Real Madrid's trip to El Sadar was always going to be a tough test, and the team delivered a hard-fought 2-0 victory against a stubborn Osasuna side. The game was far from a comfortable win, showcasing both the strengths and weaknesses of Carlo Ancelotti's men. Let's delve into the individual performances and see how the players fared in this crucial La Liga clash.
Thibaut Courtois (8/10): Courtois was a rock in the Real Madrid goal, making several crucial saves to keep Osasuna at bay. His quick reflexes and ability to command his box were instrumental in securing the clean sheet. His shot-stopping prowess was on full display as he denied Osasuna numerous scoring opportunities.
Dani Carvajal (7/10): Back from injury, Carvajal looked sharp and confident on the right flank. He provided a constant threat going forward, delivering dangerous crosses into the box. Defensively, he was solid, winning his duels and preventing Osasuna from exploiting his side.
Eder Militao (8/10): Militao was a defensive colossus alongside Rüdiger, forming an impenetrable wall. His aerial dominance and strong tackles kept Osasuna's strikers at bay. He showed incredible composure and leadership in the heart of the defense.
Antonio Rüdiger (8/10): The German defender was in exceptional form. He was a dominant force in the air, winning every aerial duel, and was a constant threat from set pieces. His partnership with Militao was crucial in nullifying Osasuna's attack.
David Alaba (7/10): Alaba was deployed at left-back in the absence of Ferland Mendy. He performed his duties diligently, providing defensive stability and contributing to the attack whenever possible. He showed his versatility and adaptability in this new position.
Federico Valverde (8/10): Valverde was a driving force in midfield, providing energy, aggression, and crucial interceptions. He was a constant nuisance for Osasuna and his relentless work rate was instrumental in Real Madrid's dominance. His tireless performance earned him the Man of the Match award.
Aurelien Tchouameni (7/10): Tchouameni continues to impress with his composure and control in midfield. He shielded the defense expertly and was a key part of Real Madrid's build-up play. His passing range and ability to dictate the tempo were vital for the team.
Luka Modric (7/10): The veteran midfielder was a calming presence in the midfield, dictating the game with his intelligence and passing accuracy. He created numerous scoring opportunities for his teammates with his precise passes and clever movement.
Vinicius Junior (7/10): Vinicius was a constant threat down the left flank, causing problems for the Osasuna defense with his pace and dribbling skills. He was unlucky not to score a goal, but he played a crucial role in setting up Real Madrid's second goal.
Karim Benzema (7/10): Benzema was clinical in front of goal, scoring Real Madrid's first goal with a composed finish. His hold-up play and link-up with his teammates were essential in creating scoring opportunities for the team.
Rodrygo Goes (6/10): Rodrygo came on as a substitute and added some spark to the attack. He worked tirelessly in attack and was unlucky not to score.
Overall: Real Madrid showcased their character and resilience in a tough away match. The team's defensive solidity was impressive, and their midfield dominance was a major factor in securing the victory. While the attacking threat wasn't always consistent, it was enough to secure a valuable three points on the road. This win puts Real Madrid back on track in the La Liga title race, and it's a strong statement of their intent to reclaim their crown.