Vinicius Junior’s hat-trick powered Real Madrid to a 4-0 victory over Osasuna on Saturday, helping them rebound from back-to-back home losses in La Liga.
Despite the much-needed win, Madrid’s joy was dampened by a severe knee injury to defender Eder Militao.
Madrid, recently defeated by Barcelona in La Liga and outclassed by AC Milan in the Champions League, needed a morale boost at the Santiago Bernabeu. They found it through Vinicius’ treble, along with Jude Bellingham’s first goal of the season for Los Blancos.
However, superstar forward, Kylian Mbappe struggled to find the net again, with just one goal in his last seven games.
Brazilian center-back Militao suffered a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee that will likely sideline him for the season.
Meanwhile, Rodrygo and Lucas Vazquez also exited the game due to injuries.
“It’s heartbreaking to see these injuries, especially Militao’s,” said Bellingham, who noted Militao’s struggle to return from a similar injury to his left knee last season.
“He’s worked so hard to get back… it’s devastating,” he added.
The victory moved Madrid within six points of League leaders Barcelona, who play Real Sociedad on today.
“Vinicius made the difference again today, as he’s done many times,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti remarked, commending Vinicius’ impact despite missing out on the Ballon d’Or, where he finished as runner-up to Manchester City’s Rodri.
Militao was stretchered off before the half-hour mark, clutching his right knee after going down in Osasuna’s box.
With defenders David Alaba, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Dani Carvajal already sidelined, his loss was especially challenging for Madrid.
Ancelotti brought on 21-year-old Raul Asencio, making his first-team debut after progressing through the club’s youth system.
