Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Real Madrid dished out their best performance of the season against Osasuna earlier today at the Santiago Bernabeu, scoring four goals past the Pamplona-based side.
The game was reminiscent of the team’s form last season as Vinicius Jr starred with a stunning hat-trick while Jude Bellingham also found the back of the net for the first time this season.
While positives were abundant, it was also a very costly night for Los Blancos, as three players—Rodrygo, Eder Militao, and Lucas Vazquez — went off injured during the game.
Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media after Real Madrid’s day out against Osasuna, and needless to say, began by speaking on the elephant in the room – the three injuries.
“They’re evaluating the 3 injuries right now,” he said.
Vinicius makes the difference
The manager laid special praise on the biggest positive takeaway on the night – Vinicius Jr’s hat-trick.
“For us, Vinicius is a player who makes a difference. He has done it again today just like other times. The Golden Ball gala is a small detail that has not affected him.”
“Many times they come to the bench to celebrate. Vinicius is a player who scores and will continue to make a difference. He is a very important player for us,” he added.
He even gave his two cents on Jude Bellingham who finally scored his first goal of the season.
“Bellingham? The goal is a small part of a game that he played very well defensively and offensively. The goal was a reward.”
On young Raul Asencio who made his debut for the senior team on the night and struck gold with an assist, he stated that the youngster would be important going forward.
“Raul has played very well, with personality and has given the assist in the second goal. It has been a nice surprise and we have to thank the work they have done with him in Castilla. He’s a player we need right now.”
He also spoke on the possibility of roping in more players from the academy and named players who interested him.
“We are evaluating right-backs like Fortea, Loren or Melvin. They are players who are not ready yet, but who can be part of the team as Raul (Asencio) has done today.”
“The pity is that centres like Jacobo and Joan Martínez have been injured. Raul has done very well in Castilla and now he will be with us,” he added.
A lot had been said about Kylian Mbappe’s struggles in recent weeks, but the manager retained confidence in the Frenchman and praised him for tangible improvement.
“Mbappe made a lot of great moves. It’s a matter of time before he scores again.”
Ancelotti is happy with the team’s performance
Commenting on his team’s overall play on the night and what made his side special, he said,
“The great thing about this team is that they’re not just players but also die-hard fans of Real Madrid.”
With a win after two straight defeats, Ancelotti emphasised what his side did differently against Osasuna, saying,
“The game has been good. We started controlling it well, without too much hurry and when we opened the score with Vinicius the game went well.”
“The team showed a good version, with more attitude and commitment. The problem is the three injuries of the first part, which we are now evaluating,” he added.
On what the X-factor was one the night, Ancelotti said,
“The team has improved its attitude at the defensive level, we have been orderly, without risks, and with a good collective commitment. That’s what has made the difference in the game.”
Ancelotti’s words on the three injuries
The Italian gaffer also utilised the stage to lash out at the hectic calendar and how it was not normal to face so many injuries.
“Three injuries in the 1st half is not normal. This calendar doesn’t allow players to rest.”
With three fresh injury blows, Ancelotti was asked if the winter transfer market was finally turning into a serious opportunity for Los Blancos.
“We will evaluate in the coming months because now there is nothing to do. We must try to recover the maximum possible players and we will evaluate what can be done.”
“I don’t think about the transfer market because we have games until the Christmas break. I have to prepare the games with the players I have,” he continued.
Source: Real Madrid
