Real Madrid reclaimed the pole position in La Liga as goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Isco and Lukas Vazquez ensured a hard fought 3-1 victory over bottom dwellers Osasuna in Pamplona.
Back in action after a gap of almost two weeks, Los Blancos were all set for a goal glut, but the hosts tore the script apart with a valiant show. Just minutes after Ronaldo put the visitors ahead, Sergio Leon levelled to stun their mighty rivals. Osasuna the continued to hold down Madrid, but the latter’s quality in the side spoke in the end.
After a few near misses, Isco finally put Zinedine Zidane’s side back in front, before Vazquez sealed all three points at the death. It was by no means a comprehensive performance from the league leaders, but surely enough to get the job done.
Here are the major talking points from the game.
#1 Real Madrid have one eye on the Champions League
Going by the way Real Madrid played, it’s quite fair to suggest they have put their premium on the upcoming Champions League game against Napoli at home. Although Zidane refused to rest any of his first teamers, the fact that his team refrained from exerting too much shows where their heart lies at the moment.
With Osasuna down in the rut at 20th, this was supposed to be a walk in the park for all the mighty Blancos. A litany of goals was supposedly on the cards, but what turned out was a mere damp squib of a performance. Real barely exuded any sort of flair, nor seemed to give the match much importance.
Three points were, however, all they came for. And they did get it.
#2 Osasuna show signs of life
Wish only one victory all season, Los Rojillos were languishing at the foot of the table going into the game and their days in the Spanish top flight seemed numbered. However, their performance on the day, especially in the opening half, shows all’s not over yet for the Pamplona outfit.
The hosts not only pressed high but also maintained a high defensive line that looked too sturdy to break initially. They made good use of the ball when in possession, creating a handful of scoring chances that gave jitters to the visitors.
Osasuna cleared upped their game for the visit of the league leaders, and should they perform in the same vein for the remainder of the season, survival can still be a distinct possibility.
#3 Ronaldo continues his rise to form
Following some mediocre performances at the turn of the year, the Portuguese ace is finally hitting the throttle and scored a goal for the third game running in all competitions.
After being released by a delicious pass from Karim Benzema, Ronaldo raced clear to slot the ball home past the Osasuna ‘keeper to break the deadlock. It was his 14th strike in the league this season, but his 11th against the hosts in 10 domestic appearances – a club record.
The 32-year-old also laid an inch-perfect cross for Benzema towards the end of first half, but the Frenchman could only hit the arm of Sirigu. Ronaldo himself was guilty of missing a good chance in the second forty-five, yet did enough to convince the impatient Madrid faithful that he still has a lot to offer.
#4 Bonnin’s horrific injury soured Osasuna’s impressive outing
Osasuna right-back Tano Bonnin sustained a fractured tibia and fibula of his right leg after a dreadful collision with Isco, forcing him to be stretchered off the field after just 15 minutes. Although it did little to dissuade the hosts, it was the only hiccup in an otherwise impressive outing.
Looking to invade into the final third, Isco attempted to dribble past the defender before the two accidently bumped into each other awkwardly, leaving the latter in agony. The injury was visibly serious, as Bonnin was then taken off on a stretcher, forcing the home side to make an early substitution.
Visuals showed fullback snapped his legs into two, thereby keeping him out of action for a long, long time.
#5 Real Madrid must up the ante
This was only Osasuna, so it was fine. But Napoli are no Osasuna. And to take a healthy lead to Naples in the second leg of their Champions League clash with the Serie A giants, Real Madrid need to do much better than this.
Yes, they may have deliberately refrained themselves from exerting too much force, but the hosts carved out a few chinks that Napoli might take note of. Madrid’s defence was sliced open with the ease of a knife cutting through the butter, while the midfield lacked its usual panache.
Osasuna had Madrid’s number for the majority of the match and watching them put up a great fight, the Partenopei may take a leaf out of today’s book.
