Real Madrid’s player ratings after shock LaLiga loss to Osasuna

Here are the Real Madrid player rating for the LaLiga loss to CA Osasuna:

Courtois: An incredible point blank save from Budimir, who had been tripped by Carreras. He also got a fingertip to another header from the Croatian that came back off the post. Two miracles. His bread and butter. However, he failed to connect with Asensio and Budimir was awarded a penalty after a slight stamp from the Belgian, taking advantage of the indecision. The second effort was unstoppable.

Carvajal (64′): The big news was his return to the starting line up. His first start since September, 147 days later, allowed Trent a rest. He began well, threading an excellent pass through to Alaba and trying to contain Víctor Muñoz’s runs, but he lacked sharpness against the winger. That is understandable, as Muñoz is a genuine speedster. The team also missed Trent’s right foot, which has been such a valuable outlet in recent matches.

Asencio: He started solidly and showed his attacking instinct when tracking back. He even came close to scoring, although it would not have counted due to offside. He was later involved in the penalty incident. More due to Courtois’s hesitation than his own mistake, Budimir slipped between them to win the spot kick. He also had several aerial duels with the Croatian striker. In the closing minutes, he was crucial with a double clearance and came up big again in the final play. After Ceballos’s error, Raúl Moro beat him in the air and scored. In the build up, Asencio had broken the offside trap with the previous pass.

Alaba: Arbeloa’s other surprise. He came in to give Rüdiger a rest and nearly scored with a well timed forward run, but his shot was blocked by the Osasuna defence. Overall, he was comfortable and not overly tested. He also won back a crucial ball late on. Solid.

Carreras: He launched several counter attacks with his stride and was strong in duels. He lacked incisive passes in the opposition half, although that was more a collective issue than an individual one. Up against Rubén García, he did his job as he has been doing consistently.

Valverde (75′): Against a deep lying Osasuna side that built a wall, especially after conceding, he brought energy and a solution. With a sensational run down the left, he powered through the lines and found Vinicius in the heart of the penalty area. Until then, he had lacked freshness and incisiveness. In the end, he delivered both. That proved invaluable for Real Madrid.

Güler (82′): He almost scored a spectacular right footed effort from the edge of the box that drifted just wide. It was a rare spark in an otherwise barren display. He found little support and was largely ineffective at El Sadar. Arbeloa’s side felt his absence. In a midfield with more legs than craft, his left foot is not just useful but essential. Against Osasuna, he barely featured.

Tchouaméni: The constant presence. He rarely disappoints and did not this time. Imposing and attentive, he covered for himself and his team mates alike. He recovered six balls, made two interceptions and two clearances. Remarkable, as ever. A quiet giant.

Camavinga (64′): Defensively solid. Strong in recovery, committed in tackles and dominant in most duels. On the ball, however, he struggled. He did not advance down the left as expected and, when central, he failed to unlock the defence. He has previously suggested that Madrid do not need a traditional playmaker because he can fulfil that role. Nights like this in Pamplona challenge that belief.

Mbappé: A few isolated dribbles and little else. He operated far from the penalty area and looked some way off his physical peak. His only real chance came after a mistake by Catena, almost a penalty in itself, but Galán cleared off the line. Largely invisible.

Vinicius: His fifth goal in four matches. It arrived after he had been the only player consistently trying to unsettle Osasuna. He found little reward at first, as the penalty area was often empty after beating Rosier. But when Valverde broke through, he was exactly where he needed to be. Simple finish. He is back and now looks every bit the leader of Real Madrid.

Substitutes:

Trent (64′): His first touch was a gift that brought Vinicius to life. Madrid need him. Defensively, Víctor Muñoz had the edge.

Brahim (64′): He entered with energy and slipped a pass through to Mbappé, who had strayed offside. His freshness proved important in Madrid’s final push.

Gonzalo (75′): The game called for him, and he appeared in the closing stages. He set up Mbappé in a scramble, but the Frenchman could not find the target.

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Ceballos (82′): He dwelt too long on the ball during the final surge and lost possession in an unforgivable manner, leading to the 1-2.

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