The Brazilian turned in a magnificent performance in a convincing win, while Carlo Ancelotti has more injuries to worry about
Vinicius Jr dominated throughout, as Real Madrid cruised to a 4-0 win over Osasuna to get their season back on track, although a number of injuries rather soured the evening ahead of the international break.
The Brazilian scored three, and was dangerous for all of his 75 minutes on the pitch. A fourth, provided by Jude Bellingham, tied up a convincing win, and brought them within touching distance of Barcelona atop the table.
Madrid's first half was largely defined by injuries. Rodrygo was removed after 20 minutes, grasping his thigh. Eder Militao followed him in what seemed to be a more serious situation, the centre-back screaming in pain as he clutched the back of his right knee.
But there was some football to be played, and in that sense, Los Blancos were mightily effective. Vinicius opened the scoring after 35 minutes, a cut and smash into the back of the net. Bellingham followed him soon after with a lovely lob – his first goal of the season.
Madrid really turned things on in the second half. Vinicius scored his second after latching onto a long ball, evading his man, rounding the keeper, and tucking home. His third came inside 70 minutes, turning into an empty net after Brahim Diaz unselfishly squared inside the box. There were some issues to be found outside of injuries, as Kylian Mbappe continued to struggle up front. Still, it was Vinicius' night, and Madrid would seem to be back on track.
GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from the Santiago Bernabeu…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Andriy Lunin (7/10):
Assisted the third goal, and didn't have much to do outside of that.
Lucas Vazquez (5/10):
Subbed at the half after appearing to tweak something late in the first half.
Eder Militao (N/A):
Stretchered off after 25 minutes holding his knee.
Antonio Rudiger (7/10):
Solid at the back, even if he had very little to do.
Fran Garcia (6/10):
Played the "Ferland Mendy" role, mostly holding down his spot.
AdvertisementMidfield
Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):
Turned in a fine performance in midfield. Won his tackles and pressed well.
Federico Valverde (7/10):
Started in midfield, moved to right-back, and looked very good at both
Jude Bellingham (8/10):
Took his goal wonderfully with a fine lob. Never stopped running throughout. He was never really out of form, but seems to be nearing his best.
Attack
Rodrygo (N/A):
Looked Madrid's most dangerous option before being substituted with an injury inside 20 minutes.
Kylian Mbappe (4/10):
A bit lost out there, at the moment. Never shied away from trying things, and better defensively, but couldn't quite make anything happen when he had it.
Vinicius Jr (9/10):
Scored the Madrid first with a fine cut and smash to the near post. A burst of pace and no-look finish sorted the third. Finished his hat-trick soon after. Played with the anger of a man deprived of a certain shiny trophy a few weeks ago.
Subs & Manager
Brahim Diaz (6/10):
Full of energy on the right after replacing Rodrygo.
Raul Asencio (6/10):
Came on for his debut and immediately assisted Bellingham.
Luka Modric (6/10):
A composed midfield showing in the second half.
Arda Guler (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Endrick (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):
Went back to a 4-3-3, and got the best out of his team for long stretches. He will be delighted by the scoreline, but the afternoon was soured by injuries to Rodrygo and Militao.