Real Madrid keeps the pulse in Pamplona

Real Madrid keeps the pulse in Pamplona

Fede Valverde's goal on 80' opened the way to victory, which Asensio culminated in discount, to put pressure on Barça

MADRID, 18 Feb. (EUROPA PRESS) -

Real Madrid successfully managed (0-2) their visit to Osasuna this Wednesday in the duel corresponding to matchday 22 of LaLiga Santander, to confirm their good form after the success in the Club World Cup and put pressure on an FC Barcelona five points behind the madridistas at the top of the table.

Carlo Ancelotti's side, who had just beaten Elche (4-0) this Wednesday, continued to carry their trusty backpack at a key moment of the season before their visit to Anfield this Tuesday to face Liverpool in the first leg of the round of 16 final of the Champions League.

Valverde's goal after 80 minutes paved the way for a victory that Asensio culminated in discount. This, added to the good work of Vinicius, very participatory throughout the match, was key to defeating a rojillo team that came to put fear in the body. Madrid crossed out a designated date and forces Barça to respond this Sunday against Cádiz.

In El Sadar, the offensive proposal of the white team did not take long to transform on occasions. Before the tenth minute, 'Vini' ate Torró's toast on the left wing to be left alone in the one-on-one against a Herrera who had to use his reflexes to avoid the first of the night. The Osasunista reply was not long in coming, but the lack of understanding between Budimir and Torró prevented the latter from finishing off a goal.

From there, the forces equalized again to finish closing a first half in which neither team found continuity in their game or achieved depth to reach the rival area. The Croatian striker tried again before going to the locker room, but his shot went wide of him.

With everything to be decided, the second part started with Real Madrid a little more plugged in, trying to create danger on the wings. Although he found the goal prize through Vinicius, but the offside prevented him from getting on the scoreboard. Osasuna, somewhat stuck and uncomfortable in this return, was forced to take a step back to rearm.

The Madrid '20' tried again with a trademark play, but this time Herrera pounced on him very quickly to avoid the Brazilian's shot. A good moment for the Whites who, despite showing their best minutes of play, had to see Osasuna get back into the match after a shot by Moi Gómez hit the post.

Once again Vinicius was left alone before the Navarrese goalkeeper, but as on previous occasions he took the ball from him again when he was about to shoot. Spectacular performance by Sergio Herrera who, despite his efforts, could not prevent Fede Valverde's goal just before 80'.

The Uruguayan anticipated the entire rojillo defense to save a cross from 'Vini' from the left wing and score his seventh goal in the League. Although Osasuna tried to counteract the blow, Madrid's quality finished prevailing on the Sadar pitch, with the final goal of victory. Despite the fact that the offside prevented Vinicius from completing his great night with a goal in the first place, it was Asensio who would finish off the job shortly after.

The Spaniard sealed the match in discount with a cross shot after a steal and assist from Álvaro Rodríguez, who had already assisted Vinicius in the disallowed goal. The youth player, recently incorporated, was key in the future of a clash that reached the final moments with the white calm of duty fulfilled to wait for Cádiz to mess with Barça again.

--RESULT: OSASUNA, 0 - REAL MADRID, 2. (0-0, at halftime).

OSASUNA: Herrera; Manu Sánchez, David García, Unai García, Moncayola; Torró (Kike García, min.85), Brasanac (Aimar Oroz, min.71); Abde (Barja, min.85), Moi Gómez, Rubén García (Moreno, min.63) and Budimir.

REAL MADRID: Courtois; Nacho (Carvajal, min.76), Militao, Rüdiger, Alaba; Camavinga, Modric, Ceballos (Asensio, min.66); Valverde, Vinicius and Rodrygo (Álvaro Rodríguez, min.87).

0 - 1, min.78, Valverde.

0 - 2, min.92, Asensio.

-- REFEREE: Munuera Montero (C. Andaluz). He booked Torró (min.5), Moncayola (min.46), Moi Gómez (min.47) for Osasuna, and Vinicius (min.47) for Real Madrid.

--STADIUM: El Sadar. 21,668 viewers.