The Brazilian took second place in the championship’s artillery tally, with eight goals, surpassing his compatriot Raphinha, from Barcelona, and Perez, from Villareal, who have 7
After two consecutive defeats at home, they managed to recover and beat them 4-0, with three goals from ., this Saturday (9) at the Santiago Bernabéu for the 13th round of the . The victory was also marred by injuries to Rodrygo and Militão. Current champions, Real reached 30 points in Espanyol and remain behind leaders Barcelona, who have 33 and play this Sunday against Real Sociedad. With his three goals, Vini Jr. he took second place in the championship’s artillery tally, with eight goals, surpassing his compatriot Raphinha, from Barcelona, and Perez, from Villareal, who have 7. Lewandowski, also from Barcelona, has 14. To try to interrupt the series of defeats in front of their fans, which had not happened since October 2020, Real coach Carlo Ancelotti made three changes in relation to the starting lineup that lost to Milan 3-1 in the Champions League: Fan Garcia, Camavinga and Rodrygo replaces Mendy, Tchouaméni and Modric, respectively.
Ancelotti had previously admitted his concerns following the defeat to Milan, saying his team were not playing well and citing a lack of defensive cohesion. Against Osasuna, however, the defensive sector did not face much difficulty. The home team had ample control in the first half, with almost 70% possession of the ball, and started to put pressure on, closing in on Osasuna’s goal, but with no clear chances. Real’s first truly dangerous move came in the 14th minute, with a shot from outside the box by Rodrygo. In the right corner, goalkeeper Herrera managed to clear the ball for a corner.
The Brazilian striker, who started as a starter after recovering from a muscle injury, was already showing discomfort in his left leg and was replaced in the 20th minute by Brahim Diaz. Ten minutes later, another Brazilian from the Madrid team had to leave the game. Militão left the field crying with pain in his right knee. The striker and defender were called up by coach Dorival Júnior to play in the Brazilian team’s matches against Venezuela and Uruguay in the World Cup qualifiers, on the 14th and 19th. Real Madrid managed to open the scoring after a good play by Vini Jr. at 35 minutes. After a pass from Bellingham, the attacker advanced from the left and made a cut inside, in front of defender Catena, and finished with his right foot in the left corner.
The home team expanded with Bellingham, who scored for the first time this season. Asencio, 21, made a precise throw to the Englishman, who took advantage of the space left by Osasuna’s advanced marking. Bellingham appeared free in front of Herrera, forced to leave the goal, and played the cover with class, with his right foot. Coming from the youth teams, Asencio replaced Militão and made his debut in the Real Madrid first team. In the second half, Real returned with Modric replacing full-back Lucas Vasquez, who also suffered an injury in the first half. Ancelotti’s team came back much more incisive and didn’t take long to expand.
In the 16th minute, after a corner kick from Osasuna, Real goalkeeper Lunin connected with a quick counterattack and sent Vini Jr. into action, who dribbled past goalkeeper Herrera at speed before scoring. The Brazilian’s third goal came 8 minutes later. Defender Boyomo failed to clear the ball for Osasuna and lost the ball to Brahim Diaz, who passed it to Vini Jr. in the center of the area. Espanyol’s second top scorer kicked hard to score. In the 30th minute, Vini Jr. was substituted and made way for Endrick, who had not been on the field for the Spanish team since October 2nd, in a duel against Lille, in the Champions League. Real Madrid will play again in Espanyol on the 24th against Leganés. On the same day, Osasuna, who have 21 points and could lose fifth place in Espanyol, face Villareal at home.
Published by Luisa Cardoso
*With information from Estadão Conteúdo
