La Liga Football: Real Madrid beat Osasuna 3-1 on Wednesday to take another step toward the LaLiga title. Karim Benzema had two penalties saved by Sergio Herrera.
In a thrilling first half at El Sadar, David Alaba put Madrid ahead, Ante Budimir leveled two minutes later, and Marco Asensio put the visitors back in front. With a goal in stoppage time, Lucas Vazquez ensured Madrid’s victory. In seven second-half minutes, Benzema was denied twice from the spot by keeper Herrera. Despite this, leaders Madrid won to move to 78 points with five games remaining. With Barcelona and Sevilla both playing on Thursday, they are 17 points ahead of Atletico Madrid.
La Liga Football: Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti
After the game, Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti spoke to Movistar. “The game was fantastic, especially the second half.”
“Everyone showed devotion and quality, and we’re extremely pleased. Also, now we have a week to prepare for the next game, the semifinal. And the team is in good condition; let’s hope we can keep it up.”
Nacho Fernandez, Dani Ceballos (in his first start of the season), Marco Asensio, and Rodrygo Goes were all brought in by Ancelotti from the lineup that beat Sevilla on Sunday.
Osasuna put Madrid under pressure, but Alaba, the center-back, put Madrid ahead in the 12th minute. With a beautiful pass into the area, Ceballos found Benzema, who crossed for Alaba to score at the second attempt. After two minutes, the score had tied for the home team. After Chimy Avila’s cross bounced off defender Nacho, Budimir was waiting at the far post. The Croatian striker reached the back of the net for the second time in 32 minutes. Although, the goal was disallowed owing to offside.
La Liga Football: Real Madrid vs Osasuna
Sergio Herrera made a fantastic stop on Alaba’s amazing long-range attempt. Before that, Asensio had his best scoring season to date. In the 45th minute, he scored the game’s second goal, bringing the score to 2-1. Eduardo Camavinga was able to locate Ceballos and save his effort. In addition, Asensio scored his tenth league goal of the season on the spot. Alaba had replaced by Dani Carvajal at halftime due to an apparent thigh injury. It is terrible news for Madrid ahead of their Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Manchester City next week. Ancelotti expressed his “optimism” that the injury would not be serious.
After being beaten by Rodrygo, Avila resorted to touching the ball in the 52nd minute. Also, earning Madrid their first penalty of the night. Then, Herrera stopped Benzema’s shot, and he denied Benzema again seven minutes later. After Rodrygo had fouled in the box by Nacho Vidal.
La Liga Football: Ancelotti said, “He would have taken it if we had another penalty.”
“If we get another penalty, he’ll take it, because who takes a penalty can miss. He had an outstanding game. And he wants to score, but he also performed well for the team,” he added.
However, with 10 minutes remaining, referee Ricardo de Burgos had to take a brief break from the game. Then the incident where the item was thrown from the crowd at Thibaut Courtois. Madrid was unable to convert on several late opportunities. Before Vazquez handed them a two-goal lead and their fourth consecutive league victory.
Read more at OKBET: Premier League: Arsenal defeated Chelsea in a thrilling match due to a brace from Eddie Nketiah.
Image Credit: en.as.com
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