Real Madrid player ratings as late goals from Eder Militao and Casemiro fired the Merengues to a crucial 2-0 victory over Osasuna in La Liga on Saturday.
Real Madrid kept up the pressure on league leaders Atletico Madrid with a 2-0 victory over CA Osasuna at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on Saturday night in the 2020/21 La Liga.
Coming into the game five points behind Atleti, who had beaten Elche 1-0 earlier in the day, Zinedine Zidane’s side had absolutely no room for error. And they started well, creating the better of the chances in the first half, but Osasuna goalkeeper was at hand to deny Eden Hazard and Eder Militao, while at the other end, Chimy Avila had a goal ruled out for offside as the scoreline remained intact heading into the half-time break.
Real Madrid kept up the pressure after the break, with Militao getting denied again by Herrera while substitute Rodrygo Goes came close to scoring a little after the hour mark, firing just wide. The first goal did eventually come in the 76th minute, when Eder Militao thumped home from Isco’s corner before Casemiro found the back of the net four minutes later to put the game to bed.
The win means Real Madrid remain only two points behind Atletico Madrid in the standings, with Los Rojiblancos set to face Barcelona next weekend, giving Zinedine Zidane’s side the perfect opportunity to get their noses in front in the title race. Here are our player ratings for the Real Madrid stars from a crucial win over Osasuna.
Thibaut Courtois: 6.5/10
Not tested a great deal on the night apart from the one cross/shot from Manu Sanchez in the first half which he did well to stop. Couple more straightforward stops over the course of the game and claimed crosses with ease. Completed 25/29 passes.
Alvaro Odriozola: 6.5/10
Back into the starting XI in the absence of Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez, the Basque right-back enjoyed a decent game. Got forward well regularly and delivered some inviting crosses. Had some problems at the back with Osasuna’s pace but came out unscathed. Completed one key pass.
Eder Militao: 9/10
?| Eder Militao vs Osasuna:
• 7/8 aerial duels won
• 2/3 ground duels won
• 3 clearances
• 2 interceptions
• 75/80 passes completed (94%)
• 10/11 long balls completed
• 4 shots
• 1 goalIncredible. ??#rmalive pic.twitter.com/tTsTvvmBEW
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) May 1, 2021
It has been a magnificent turnaround for Militao, who was pretty much out of favour for large parts of the season but has now become an indispensable member of the Real Madrid defence. Apart from a misplaced back-pass in the first half that almost led to a goal for Osasuna, the Brazilian did not put a foot wrong in the entire game. Dealt well with whatever threat came his way but it was his impact at the other end that was telling.
Forced Sergio Herrera into two fine saves on either side of the half-time break before eventually going on to score the all-important opening goal. Won a game-high seven aerial duels, made three clearances and completed 94% of his passes in what was a solid, impactful display.
Raphael Varane: 6/10
Good on the ball, solid off it, the Frenchman was enjoying a fairly comfortable outing until he felt some discomfort in his leg and had to be withdrawn at half-time with an eye on the UEFA Champions League semi-final clash against Chelsea next week.
Marcelo: 6/10
Delivered an inch-perfect cross to Hazard for a big chance in the first half. Apart from that, he was not able to contribute much in the attacking sense, even though he spent a lot of time high up the pitch. Made way for Miguel Gutierrez in the second half.
Casemiro: 7.5/10
Casemiro with a second goal for Real Madrid, I saw it coming after the first ?
— UNITED EXTRA (@UTDEXTRA_) May 1, 2021
Had a go at goal from his own half in the first period. Solid in his defensive duties, Casemiro also acted as a sort of a deep-lying playmaker for Real Madrid on the night, constantly spraying forward passes in an attempt to break open the Osasuna defence. Made two key passes before scoring the second goal, although there was some element of luck involved with it, to seal the win for Real Madrid.
Antonio Blanco: 7/10
Another league start for the youngster and another hugely impressive display. Broke up Osasuna attacks with ease and moved the ball well all throughout the game and never really looked out of place in this star-studded Real Madrid side. Finished with two key passes, 94% passes completed, three tackles and three clearances in what was a solid, all-round performance. Bright future ahead for the 20-year-old.
? Antonio Blanco vs Osasuna:
– 90 minutes
– 88 touches
– 92% passing accuracy
– 2 key passes
– 1 big chance created
– 2 accurate long balls
– 1 accurate cross
– 3 clearances
– 2 tackles won
– 3 interceptionsGreat game from Blanco on his second start in LaLiga! pic.twitter.com/L8K4KObezC
— Real Madrid Fabrica (@FabricaMadrid) May 1, 2021
Marco Asensio: 6.5/10
Started out brightly and linked up well with Hazard in the final third before firing a shot over. Delivered the cross from which Militao forced Herrera into a fine save. Managed to play in a game-high five key passes but impact waned with time.
Eden Hazard: 7/10
Making his first start since January, the Belgian international made a bright and energetic start to the game. Played in Asensio with a lovely backheel before having a goal-bound effort denied by Herrera. Looked purposeful on the ball and wasn’t afraid to run at the opposition defence. Made one key pass on what was a good 70-minute run-out building up his fitness ahead of his return to Stamford Bridge next week.
Vinicius Junior: 6/10
Tried to make things happen but was well-marshaled by the Osasuna defence who did not allow him spaces to run into. Fired a shot into the side-netting and wasn’t involved a great deal in attack apart from that, although did complete two key passes. Made way for Rodrygo Goes in the second half.
Karim Benzema: 6.5/10
14 – Only Lionel Messi ?? has been involved in more goals (21, 14 goals + 7 assists) than @Benzema ?? in the Top 5 European Leagues last three months, level with Erling Haaland (11+3), Luis Muriel (8+6) & Romelu Lukaku (7+7). Reference#RealMadridOsasuna #OnlyMessihasmore pic.twitter.com/FncHrj2Qug
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) May 1, 2021
Real Madrid’s man in form, endured a quiet night by his usual standards as he wasn’t able to provide much of a goal-threat on the night. Nevertheless, his link-up play with the likes of Hazard was a strong feature as he dropped deep to get on the ball and make things happen. Set Casemiro up for the second goal with a nice through ball.
SUBSTITUTES
Nacho: 7/10
Came on for Varane at half-time. Misplaced just two of his 47 attempted passes and won his fair share of ground duels at the back.
Miguel Gutierrez: 6.5/10
On for Marcelo in the 64th minute and enjoyed a bright cameo. Full of energy, the highly-rated youngster drove forward with purpose and hit in a few dangerous crosses. Responsible defensively.
Rodrygo Goes: 6.5/10
Replaced Vinicius in the 64th minute and looked a much bigger threat from the moment he came on. Went on a jinking run before firing his effort narrowly wide. Continued to cause problems with his runs and finished with one key pass.
Isco: 6.5/10
Sent on in place of Hazard with less than twenty minutes left. Got the assist for the opening goal from his corner delivery. Almost added a third.
Sergio Arribas: N/A
Late substitute for Asensio.
