Real Madrid vs Osasuna: Assessment and Comments
Match Overview
Real Madrid faced Osasuna in what was expected to be a routine victory for the Madrid giants. However, the match was anything but simple as Osasuna, traditionally viewed as underdogs when facing the bigger teams, put up a solid fight. Real Madrid eventually emerged victorious, but not without a fair share of difficulties. This analysis will take a deeper look at the key aspects of the match, including the performances of individual players, tactical insights, and broader takeaways for both teams.
Real Madrid’s Tactical Approach
Real Madrid lined up in their familiar 4-3-3 formation, with key players like Vinícius Júnior, Karim Benzema, and Luka Modrić leading the charge. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has often been criticized for his approach in games against lower-tier teams, especially when it comes to ensuring dominance early on. In this encounter, Madrid showed signs of complacency at times, and the intensity of their play was inconsistent.
Despite boasting a formidable attacking line-up, Real Madrid struggled to break down Osasuna’s resolute defense early in the match. This was partly due to Osasuna’s well-organized 4-4-2 defensive shape, which was compact and hard to penetrate. Their disciplined positioning in midfield denied Madrid the kind of space they are used to, forcing them to resort to wide play. Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy were pushed higher up the pitch to provide width, but the resulting crosses into the box often lacked quality or precision.
Ancelotti’s side found their rhythm in the second half but had to work hard for their victory. The interplay between the midfield trio of Modrić, Toni Kroos, and Federico Valverde was key in maintaining possession and controlling the tempo. Yet, it wasn’t until Benzema’s clever movement and Vinícius Júnior’s pace that Real Madrid were able to exploit spaces in the Osasuna defense effectively.
Key Players for Real Madrid
- Karim Benzema: The French striker once again showcased why he is one of the world’s best forwards. Benzema’s ability to drop deep, link play, and create chances for others was on full display. His goal-scoring instincts were evident, but it was his selflessness in assisting others that truly stood out. His work off the ball opened up space for his teammates, and he was a constant threat inside the box.
- Vinícius Júnior: The Brazilian forward continues to evolve into one of the most exciting young talents in world football. His dribbling was once again a key asset for Real Madrid, as he relentlessly attacked Osasuna’s defensive lines. Vinícius’ flair and creativity often forced defenders into difficult situations, allowing his teammates more time and space. While his finishing is still an area for improvement, his involvement in the build-up play and ability to stretch defenses was crucial.
- Luka Modrić: The Croatian maestro showed his class in the middle of the park. His ability to control the tempo of the game and his vision in tight spaces made him one of Real Madrid’s most influential players. Modrić’s passes were incisive, and his decision-making was key to breaking down Osasuna’s defensive lines. Even at his age, Modrić continues to demonstrate why he’s considered one of the best midfielders of his generation.
- Thibaut Courtois: The Belgian goalkeeper had a quiet day for the most part, with Osasuna failing to produce many high-quality chances. However, when called upon, Courtois demonstrated his shot-stopping ability, especially in the second half when Osasuna attempted a late push.
Osasuna’s Defensive Resilience
Osasuna, managed by Jagoba Arrasate, came into the match with a clear defensive game plan: to absorb pressure and frustrate Real Madrid. Their 4-4-2 formation provided them with numerical superiority in central areas, and they pressed high when possible to disrupt Real Madrid’s rhythm. Despite facing sustained periods of pressure, Osasuna held firm for long stretches of the game.
The key to their defensive success was their compactness. By staying narrow and tight in the middle of the park, they were able to limit the space in which Modrić and Kroos could operate. Osasuna’s full-backs, Nacho Vidal and David García, were tasked with staying close to Vinícius Júnior and Federico Valverde on the flanks, while the central defensive duo of Aridane Hernández and Unai García put in a tireless performance to block crosses and clear any danger in the box.
At times, Osasuna’s pressing game also caught Real Madrid off-guard. The high press forced mistakes from Madrid’s defenders, particularly in the first half. However, once Madrid adapted to the intensity, they began to find ways to bypass the press using quick, short passes through midfield.
In attack, Osasuna struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. Their main outlet was Chimy Ávila, whose direct running and physicality caused some problems for Madrid’s defenders, especially Antonio Rudiger. However, the lack of service and support from midfield meant that Osasuna rarely threatened Courtois’ goal.
The Goal – Real Madrid’s Breakthrough
Real Madrid’s breakthrough came after a period of sustained pressure. The goal was a result of smart movement and quick combination play in the final third. Benzema’s sharp movement allowed him to create space, and Vinícius Júnior’s pace made it difficult for the Osasuna defenders to track him. The goal came after a brilliant cross from Dani Carvajal, which was met by Benzema. The Frenchman’s header was perfectly executed, giving Real Madrid the lead they so desperately needed.
The goal not only broke Osasuna’s resolve but also shifted the dynamic of the match. Real Madrid’s confidence grew, and they began to take control of possession, while Osasuna found themselves chasing the game. From this point, Real Madrid could afford to manage the game and dictate the tempo, while Osasuna’s defensive shape became more stretched as they pushed forward in search of an equalizer.
Osasuna’s Response and Late Push
In the final stages of the match, Osasuna tried to push for an equalizer. Their best chance came from a long-range effort by Rubén García, but Courtois was quick to get down and make the save. Despite Osasuna’s best efforts, they failed to break down Real Madrid’s defense, which was now well-organized and more assured after the opening goal.
While Osasuna showed great character and resilience, their lack of attacking depth ultimately cost them. The team’s inability to create consistent goal-scoring chances against top-tier opposition remains a limitation, but their performance against Real Madrid showed that they can defend well and frustrate stronger sides when they are organized.
Conclusion and Takeaways
In the end, Real Madrid secured the three points, but it wasn’t the dominant performance many expected. Osasuna’s defensive setup caused problems for Ancelotti’s side, and Madrid’s offensive play lacked the fluidity seen in their previous matches. However, Real Madrid’s class told in the end, with key moments of individual brilliance from Benzema and Vinícius Júnior proving the difference.
For Real Madrid, the win was an important one in maintaining their position at the top of the table, but Ancelotti will likely be concerned by the moments of complacency and the lack of cutting edge at times. The team needs to find greater consistency and improve their finishing, especially when they dominate possession.
For Osasuna, the match showed that they are capable of going toe-to-toe with some of the best teams in Spain, but their lack of attacking threat ultimately let them down. Arrasate will be pleased with his team’s defensive effort, but he will need to find ways to improve his team’s offensive capabilities in order to challenge the top teams more effectively.
In the end, this match showcased the importance of clinical finishing and the ability to break down deep defenses in modern football. Real Madrid will take the points, but they will need to address some issues if they are to continue challenging for major honors this season.
