AAP News
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal against Osasuna. (AP PHOTO)
Vincius Junior scored a hat trick to steer Real Madrid to an emphatic 4-0 win over Osasuna in a much-needed victory that was dampened by a serious injury to team-mate Eder Militao.
Madrid had been subjected to jeers in their previous two home games – a 4-0 loss to fierce rival Barcelona and 3-1 defeat to AC Milan.
But Saturday’s easy victory may have come at the high price.
Militao was carried off after the central defender crumbled to the turf shortly before halftime.
Afterwards it was confirmed that he had ruptured the ACL in his right leg, just over a year since tearing an anterior cruciate ligament in his left leg.
The club said the 26-year-old Brazilian he will need surgery.
Rodrygo and Lucas Vazquez were also unable to continue after apparently sustaining muscle injuries in the first half.
“Three injuries in the first half is pretty rare,” Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti said afterwards.
“The demands of the schedule sometimes does not allow players to get the rest they need, and that increases the risk of injuries. It is a problem for everyone, not just us.”
Vinicius, who was overlooked when the Ballon d’Or went to Spain’s Rodri last week, claimed his second treble of the season and took his overall tally to 12 goals for the season with Jude Bellingham also netting his side’s second.
“Vinicius makes the difference and he did so again today,” Ancelotti added.
“Not winning the Ballon d’Or is a detail that did not affect him as we can see today.”
Meanwhile, Villarreal beat Deportivo Alaves 3-0 with Sevilla facing a trip to Leganes in Saturday’s later fixture.
