Osasuna vs Real Madrid: Player Ratings - A Tale of Two Halves
The Bernabéu witnessed a thrilling encounter as Osasuna pushed Real Madrid to the limit, ultimately securing a well-deserved 1-1 draw. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both sides displaying moments of brilliance and defensive lapses. Here's a breakdown of the player ratings, analyzing the individual performances that shaped this captivating encounter.
Real Madrid: A Mixed Bag
Thibaut Courtois (7/10): Courtois was a rock in the Real Madrid goal, making several crucial saves, including a stunning double stop in the second half, to keep his side in the game.
Dani Carvajal (6/10): Carvajal had a solid game defensively, but his attacking contributions were limited. He showed a few glimpses of his usual overlapping runs, but the Osasuna defense held firm.
Éder Militão (6/10): Militão was a steady presence in the heart of the defense, dealing with Osasuna's physicality and aerial threat with composure. He was, however, caught out of position on occasion, allowing Osasuna a few dangerous counter-attacks.
David Alaba (6/10): Alaba exhibited his usual calmness and experience, making crucial interceptions and organizing the defense. However, his lack of pace was exposed by Osasuna's dynamic attackers.
Ferland Mendy (6/10): Mendy struggled to contain Osasuna's energetic right-winger, Chimy Ávila, and was ultimately substituted in the second half.
Luka Modrić (7/10): Modrić controlled the midfield tempo for Real Madrid, dictating play with his intricate passing and intelligent movement. His vision and experience shone through, creating several chances for his teammates.
Aurelien Tchouaméni (6/10): Tchouaméni offered physicality and a strong defensive presence, but he lacked the sharpness and creativity of his usual self. He struggled to control the midfield battles against Osasuna's energetic midfielders.
Federico Valverde (7/10): Valverde was a constant threat on the right flank, bursting forward with speed and purpose. He was unlucky not to score, seeing his thunderous shot brilliantly saved by the Osasuna keeper.
Vinícius Júnior (6/10): Vinícius was a constant thorn in the side of the Osasuna defense, using his dribbling skills and pace to create danger. However, his final product was lacking, failing to capitalize on his promising runs.
Karim Benzema (6/10): Benzema was relatively quiet in the first half but came to life in the second half, showing his trademark intelligence and link-up play. He ultimately scored the equalizer, but it was a frustrating evening for the French striker.
Rodrygo Goes (7/10): Rodrygo came on as a substitute and injected energy and creativity into the Real Madrid attack. He created the chance for Benzema's goal and provided a much-needed spark in the final third.
Substitutions:
- Eduardo Camavinga (7/10): Camavinga brought renewed energy and dynamism to the Real Madrid midfield after replacing Mendy.
- Dani Ceballos (6/10): Ceballos added creativity and composure in the final third, providing valuable support for the attackers.
Osasuna: A Brave Display
Sergio Herrera (8/10): Herrera was the hero for Osasuna, making countless saves to deny Real Madrid a crucial goal. He was particularly impressive in the second half, displaying remarkable bravery and reflexes.
Nacho Vidal (7/10): Vidal was a rock at the back for Osasuna, making numerous crucial tackles and interceptions. He showed his experience and tactical awareness, expertly neutralizing the threat posed by Vinicius Júnior.
David García (7/10): García was a dominant presence in the Osasuna defense, winning aerial duels and leading the backline with composure. He made several crucial tackles and interceptions to keep the Real Madrid attackers at bay.
Aridane Hernández (7/10): Hernández was another outstanding performer for Osasuna, forming a formidable partnership with García. He showed exceptional physicality and strength, holding his own against Real Madrid's attacking threat.
Juan Cruz (7/10): Cruz was a whirlwind of energy and creativity on the left flank for Osasuna. He provided a constant threat with his pace and intelligent runs, creating numerous scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Lucas Torró (7/10): Torró was a driving force in the Osasuna midfield, providing defensive solidity and clever passing. He broke up Real Madrid's attacks with his tenacity and intelligence.
Moi Gómez (7/10): Gómez was a tireless worker in the Osasuna midfield, winning tackles, pressing high, and creating chances. He was a key factor in Osasuna's success in frustrating Real Madrid's creative midfielders.
Darko Brasanac (6/10): Brasanac played a crucial role in Osasuna's defensive setup, providing a physical presence in midfield and winning important tackles.
Chimy Ávila (8/10): Ávila was a constant nuisance for the Real Madrid defense, using his pace and directness to create danger. He was a threat in the air and on the ground, ultimately scoring the opening goal with a clinical finish.
Kike García (7/10): Kike García worked tirelessly in the Osasuna attack, pressing high and linking play well. He came close to scoring on several occasions but ultimately played a vital role in Osasuna's attacking threat.
Substitutions:
- Abde Ezzalzouli (7/10): Ezzalzouli added flair and creativity to the Osasuna attack after coming on as a substitute, causing havoc with his pace and trickery.
- Imanol García (6/10): García provided fresh legs and defensive solidity in the closing stages of the match.
Conclusion
Osasuna's performance was a testament to their resilience, tactical discipline, and sheer determination. They showed a clear game plan, stifled Real Madrid's attacking threat for long periods, and capitalized on their chances to earn a deserved draw. While Real Madrid ultimately salvaged a point, their performance was far from convincing, and their inability to dominate possession and create clear-cut chances exposed vulnerabilities. This was a match that highlighted the unpredictability of La Liga and the immense challenge that awaits Carlo Ancelotti's side in their pursuit of a successful title defense.