Carlo Ancelotti's side won again without their top scorer, and are now surely favourites to go on and lift the trophy
Real Madrid picked up points without Jude Bellingham once again, with Vinicius Junior stepping up in his absence and scoring two goals to help Los Blancos to a 4-2 win over Osasuna. Fede Valverde snagged three assists, and Brahim Diaz was also among the goals as Carlo Ancelotti's side placed one hand back on the league trophy.
Vinicius opened the scoring, capitalising on a defensive blunder before tucking the ball into the bottom corner. Osasuna soon equalised, though, Ante Budimir smashing home after a Madrid collapse from a corner. Dani Carvajal only continued the chaos, giving Madrid the lead once again with a tidy poke past goalkeeper Sergio Herrera. Andriy Lunin kept Los Blancos ahead after an extended period of Osasuna pressure as he ended the half with a series of tidy stops.
And Diaz capitalised. The buzzing attacking midfielder buried a crucial third, bursting through on goal before finishing past the sprawling Osasuna goalkeeper. Vinicius sealed the result for good, an audacious flick capping off a fine afternoon and the hosts' late consolation served as little more than an annoyance.
Los Blancos were poor, often loose with possession in the first half, but a fine turnaround after the break sealed a comfortable three points – and brought the league leaders a step closer to regaining the title.
GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from El Sadar…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Andriy Lunin (7/10):
Could do nothing about the goals. Made some excellent stops in the first half. Thibaut Courtois may be returning soon, but Lunin has been an admirable stand-in.
Dani Carvajal (7/10):
Took his goal very well – he's now scored five this season. Full of legs on the right, and got forward whenever he could.
Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):
Another steady showing from the reluctant centre-back. Didn't have much to do but the goals weren't his fault.
Antonio Rudiger (7/10):
Slightly fortunate not to concede a penalty after a heavy challenge. More composed after the break.
Ferland Mendy (6/10):
A bit shaky at times, especially when Osasuna pressed high.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):
Always up for the midfield fight, and snuffed out a few counter-attacks through the middle.
Federico Valverde (8/10):
Provided a wonderful pass for Carvajal's goal. Set up Diaz's, too. Made it a hat-trick of assists with a deft flick to Vinicius.
Toni Kroos (7/10):
Clean on the ball. Hardly misplaced a pass. The midfield chaos of the first half didn't suit him, though.
Brahim Diaz (7/10):
A buzzing presence at the tip of Madrid's midfield diamond. Created a few chances. A lovely finish sealed the win for his side.
Getty ImagesAttack
Vinicius Jr (9/10):
Took his first goal well. His second was even better. Gave defenders nightmares all afternoon. Picked up a yellow that will see him miss the next match – which is the only blemish on his day.
Rodrygo (6/10):
Not involved as much as his strike partner, although he did enjoy some eye-catching moments. It's not quite happening for him but you sense that the goals will return.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Luka Modric (7/10):
A lovely 20 minutes. Not a bad option off the bench.
Nacho (6/10):
Missing as Osasuna bagged their second. Lucky that it didn't matter.
Lucas Vazquez (N/A):
Had a goal ruled out for offside.
Arda Guler (N/A):
Another appearance under his belt.
Fran Garcia (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):
Will be annoyed by the lack of control his side had on the game – especially in the first half. But they soon grew into it, and dominated the second period. The title is surely theirs now.
