Madrid: Vinicius Junior scored a hat-trick to help Real Madrid bounce back from two consecutive home defeats with a 4-0 win over Osasuna in La Liga on Saturday. Hammered by Barcelona in a league Clasico and then outplayed by AC Milan in the Champions League, Carlo Ancelotti's side badly needed this confidence-boosting victory at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Spanish and European champions thrashed Osasuna thanks to Vinicius' treble, while Jude Bellingham scored his first goal of the season for Los Blancos.
However, Madrid's superstar striker Kylian Mbappe failed to find the net again and has scored one goal in his last seven matches, while Brazilian duo Eder Militao and Rodrygo were taken off injured along with Lucas Vazquez. Second-placed Madrid reined in Barcelona's lead at the top of La Liga to six points before the Catalans visit Real Sociedad on Sunday. "Vinicius made the difference again today, as he has done on many occasions," Madrid coach Ancelotti told reporters.
The Brazilian finished second in the Ballon d'Or voting despite being favourite to win the award at the end of October, losing out to Manchester City midfielder Rodri. "(Not winning) the Ballon d'Or is a small detail that has not affected him, given what we've seen today," added Ancelotti. The Italian coach brought Rodrygo into the line-up after the Milan defeat, reverting to a 4-3-3 formation.
The Brazilian winger drew a save from Sergio Herrera but was forced off with a knee problem during an intense start t.
