Hat-trick Hero Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid Vs Osasuna

Vinicius Junior was the standout performer as Real Madrid broke free from their recent slump, scoring a brilliant hat-trick in a dominant 4-0 victory over Osasuna.

After weeks of underwhelming performances, with critics questioning the team’s cohesion this season, Carlo Ancelotti’s side desperately needed a statement performance at home. The match, however, began with some early setbacks, as both Rodrygo and Eder Militao were forced off due to injuries before the 30-minute mark.

Despite the challenges, Madrid showed moments of individual brilliance, and it was Vinicius who delivered when it mattered most. Picking up the ball on the left flank, he cut inside and unleashed a powerful shot to open the scoring.

With the pressure lifted, Madrid grew in confidence. Jude Bellingham doubled the lead before halftime, finishing neatly after a brilliant long ball from debutant Raul Asencio sent him clear. Bellingham lifted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper Sergio Herrera for his first goal of the season.

Ancelotti’s woes continued with another injury at the break, as Lucas Vazquez was forced off, but Madrid remained in control, leading 2-0 as they pushed for more. They nearly added a third early in the second half when Vinicius was set up by Kylian Mbappe, only to fire wide of the right post.

After being overlooked for the Ballon d’Or, Vinicius was determined to silence his critics, and he did so with two more goals. His second came on the hour mark after a lightning-fast counter-attack, with Vinicius racing through on goal, rounding Herrera, and finishing into an empty net. The hat-trick was completed shortly after, as Brahim Diaz squared the ball for Vinicius to tap in for his first La Liga hat-trick since May 2022.

With the game well in hand, Ancelotti rested both Vinicius and Bellingham for the final 15 minutes, as Madrid cruised to victory. Osasuna were unable to mount any significant threat, with their only attempt on goal being an off-target shot.

The win keeps Madrid within striking distance of Barcelona at the top of La Liga, while Osasuna remain in fifth, with teams below them having games in hand.