Ten-man Osasuna derail Real Madrid train
Flying high on a nine-game competitive win streak this term and boosted by the return of Karim Benzema, an aggressive Real Madrid probed relentlessly in the opening minutes. French prodigy Aurélien Tchouaméni fluffed an early rebound chance, before Osasuna slowly gained their footing and earned a couple of opportunities themselves – the closest of which saw Ez Abde hit the side netting from close range.
The Moroccan, on loan from Barcelona, once again saw his low drive go wide of the far post on the half-hour mark following an impressive counterattack. With Los Blancos exploring avenues through the wings, a golden chance arose in the 38th minute, as Vinícius Junior fed Benzema in the box, which the Frenchman met with an exquisite first-time volley that went inches wide of the left post. Perhaps inspired by the move, Vinícius finally drew first blood minutes before HT, when his curler from long range caught Sergio Herrera off-guard as it bounced in front of him and into the back of the net.
Los Rojillos veteran forward Kike García brought his side back on level terms five minutes after the restart, as he let his sixth sense do the work by brilliantly heading the ball backwards from a cross, leaving home goalkeeper Andriy Lunin hanging in the air as the ball lodged in the top corner. Shortly after, David Alaba saw his free-kick whizz past the right post, before Rodrygo picked up a perfect pass and sent his effort just over the crossbar.
A moment of drama unfolded when the final quarter-hour dawned, as Benzema first won a penalty after being pushed in the box, only for him to crash the ensuing spot-kick off the crossbar, before seeing a goal disallowed for offside a minute later. Despite leaving the visitors hungry for possession, Jagoba Arrasate will be extremely proud of his team’s display in the second half, as they add to their best point tally after the first seven games of a top-flight season since 2005/06. Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti will be disappointed not to have squeezed an all-important three points that would have taken them above eternal rivals Barcelona on the top of La Liga standings.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Vinícius Junior (Real Madrid)