Real Madrid has managed to secure a narrow 2-0 victory over Osasuna in their La Liga match on Saturday, just three days before their highly anticipated Champions League clash with Liverpool. The victory comes as a much-needed confidence boost for the Spanish giants, who will be facing Liverpool in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16.
Real Madrid went into the match without Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, as coach Carlo Ancelotti rested the French attacker ahead of the Champions League fixture.
Despite this, the team managed to dominate the early proceedings with center-back Eder Militao going close with a rushed volley from a free kick six minutes after midfielder Eduardo Camavinga was fouled.
However, Real Madrid was unable to break the deadlock before the interval as the hosts stepped up their aggression in defense and were shown three yellow cards in the first half. The home side’s physicality caused Ancelotti to confront the officials as they left the field at the interval as the Italian was unhappy with Osasuna’s special attention to Vinicius.
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Real Madrid continued to push for a goal in the second half, and they finally broke the deadlock with 12 minutes to play. Vinicius provided the assist as his low cut-back cross set up Valverde to half-volley home and give Real Madrid the lead.
Asensio made sure of the three points in injury time with an assist from Alvaro Rodriguez on his Real debut. The victory means Real Madrid has now cut Barcelona’s advantage to five points at the top of the table before the Catalans host Cadiz on Sunday.
“It was a hard-fought, close match, well played by both teams, and we are all the more satisfied to have won.” – Carlo Ancelotti
These were Real Madrid’s coach Carlo Ancelotti as he expressed his excitement with the team’s performance and praised the players.
Real Madrid will now turn their attention to the Champions League clash against Liverpool FC which promises to be an exciting match between two of Europe’s biggest clubs. The first leg of the round of 16 will take place at Anfield on Tuesday, and Real Madrid will be hoping to continue their winning to secure a crucial away victory.
