Real Madrid returned from the international break with a draw and that was surely a result that did not make neither the team nor the fans happy. The perfect run had to stop there as Ancelotti’s men could not get their 10th straight win. It is quite normal not to win every possible match but this game raises some little concern mostly related to how the team is dealing with the busy schedule caused by the national team games. October will be a very demanding month and not having the right preparation may result in many dropped points.
The night in Bernabeu started with a few special moments. First it was Federico Valverde who picked up the award for LaLiga player of the month for September, coronating a month full of superb plays helping the team get the most against Betis, Mallorca and Atlético de Madrid also scoring and providing assists. The midfielder set up the winner vs Betis, before he opened the scoring for Madrid against Mallorca. Then, he finally scored the 2nd goal in the Derby of Madrid in Wanda Metropolitano.
Then it was held a minute of silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the tragedy at the Kanjuruhan stadium on the island of Java (Indonesia). This initiative was agreed upon by the Spanish Football Federation and LaLiga to be observed at all matches in the Primera and Segunda Divisions. After that, a nice surprise opened the game: the Legend Amancio Amaro took the ceremonial kick-off after being elected as the Honorary President at the Extraordinary General Assembly held a few hours prior to the game.
Amancio Amaro who had previously played for La Coruna, wore the White jersey for 14 seasons, from 1962 to 1976. He won 13 titles at Real Madrid: 1 European Cup, 9 Spanish Leagues and 3 Spanish Cups. Amancio is one of the most significant players in the club's history, having played 471 games and scored 155 goals.
Back to the game: Still unbeaten this season, Real Madrid were left frustrated by Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu. Vini Jr. put our team in front in the closing stages of the first half but the visitors levelled at the start of the second half. Benzema crashed a penalty against the crossbar in the 80th minute that would have given Madrid the win.
Real Madrid did not appear brilliant enough throughout the game and lacked the great energy and enthusiasm to push harder. It looked like they kept coming on and off in the game, only being fully aware that they needed to hurry up after conceding the equalizer from the visitors. But, the game would make Los Blancos pay for being late with their concentration. When Madridistas really went into the game it was the luck that was not on their side. They went near the goal quite a few times but it looked like it wasn’t meant to be…
Real Madrid tried to have a dominant start but found an Osasuna team that was very well organized and that put the White Team in a state of idleness trying time after time to push forward without trying too hard. That’s why it took a while to see a dangerous attack. The first opportunity came on the half-hour mark when Vini Jr.'s shot was saved by Herrera. Four minutes later, Abde's shot across goal from inside the area went wide.
After that moment Real Madrid started to push forward with more intensity in search of the opening goal and came close in the 37th minute thanks to a magnificent counter-attack started by Vini Jr., who picked out Benzema with the outside of his boot. The Frenchman looked to volley home whilst on the move but was just inches wide of the target. The deadlock was finally broken in the 43rd minute when Vini Jr.'s cross took Herrera by surprise.
The late goal just before the break made Ancelotti’s men feel safe thinking that the 2nd half would be easier. But in reality, the second half couldn’t have got off to a worse start, as Osasuna levelled on 50 minutes when Kike García’s header found the back of the net. Ancelotti brought on Valverde and Camavinga and Madrid had another fine chance to go back in front with 61 minutes gone.
Benzema threaded a pass through for Rodrygo, who blasted over when one on one with Herrera. The Brazilian was at the centre of the action once again five minutes later, his long-range drive forcing the visiting goalkeeper into a fantastic save. The White Team continued pushing on in search of the winner, which could have materialised on 80’.
Benzema was bundled over in the box by David García and following a VAR review, Cuadra Fernández pointed to the spot and gave the defender his marching orders. The captain stepped up from 12 yards but his penalty cashed back off the crossbar. Ancelotti’s team kept going and Vini Jr.’s vicious effort from the edge of the box in the 87th minute was repelled by the superb Herrera, before Mariano headed over in added time.
With this draw Real Madrid will have to share the top spot with Barcelona. The Blaugrana meanwhile has a better goal difference. Both teams have made an excellent start to the season winning 8 games and drawing just one with 0 losses in total. Looks like this year the race will be quite tough and the direct encounters will have a crucial role in the final table!
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