Real Madrid see off Osasuna resistance as Vini Jr. shines again: Match ratings from Pamplona

A solid win for Los Blancos at El Sadar saw Real Madrid claw back the deficit to five points at the LaLiga summit with Barcelona in action on Sunday as they welcome Cadiz to Camp Nou.

A solid performance and no new injury concerns will be welcome by Ancleotti as his team now turn their focus to Tuesday’s trip to Anfield where they face Liverpool in the Champions League Round of 16 (first leg).

Real Madrid: match ratings

Courtois: A solid performance from the Belgian on his return from injury. Was rarely threatened by the Osasuna strikeforce and was once saved by the post from a Moi Gomez effort.

Nacho: Was busy especially in the first half as Osasuna looked constantly to Abde on the right hand flank. Was switched for Carvajal deep inside the second half as Ancelotti possibly had Tuesday on his mind.

Rüdiger: The German is still finding his feet with Real Madrid in his first season with the LaLiga club as his confidence is starting to grow. Was more active in the first half and is a fine defensive foil for Militao.

Militao: The undisputed leader of the current Real Madrid defence as the Brazilian showed his repertoire of speed and ability to read the game. A rock at the heart of Ancelotti’s rearguard.

Alaba: A discreet first half but after Ancelotti’s instructions in the second 45 was a menace for the Rojillos as he made countless marauding forays into the opposition half.

Camavinga: The Frenchman picked up a knock in the opening minutes of he game but was possibly Madrid’s best player after Vinicius. Very safe with the ball at his feet and accurate in his passes, clearly posing a threat to eclipse Tchouameni if he maintains this level of form.

Modric: Another accomplished performance from the veteran central player. Adapted well to his new midfield partners and despite his vintage showing that he still maintains solid bursts of pace.

Ceballos: Another decent performance from the former Real Betis man. His recent performances have endeared the central player to the Bernabeu crowd with the player clearly gaining the confidence of head coach Ancelotti.

Valverde: The Uruguayan appears back to his true self as the 24-year-old delivered an impressive physical display. Read the move to perfection from Modric and Vinicius and was alert to slot home to open the scoring for Real Madrid.

Rodrygo: Not a vintage night for the Brazilian who barely came into contact with the ball in the first 45 minutes. Came to live shortly after the interval as he flashed a shot inches wide and will be expected to lead the attack in England should Benzema be ruled out.

Vinicius: Despite missing two one-on-one chances in the second half, the Brazilian delivered a typical solid display and was a constant source of menace for Osasuna through the 90 minutes. Almost scored in the first half and was a handful for Moncayola.

Substitutes

Asensio: Replaced Ceballos after the hour mark and looked lively taking his goal well and looking composed in the central role.

Carvajal: Ancelotti gave the right back a rest with one eye on the Champions League game. Solid in his limited time on the pitch.

Álvaro Rodríguez: What a debut from the 18-year-old. In just six minutes the Uruguay U-20 international showed signs of incredible promise with a fine pass for the Vini Jr. goal that was subsequently ruled out. Keep an eye on this kid !