Real Madrid Endure Triple Injury Setback Despite Victory Over Osasuna

Real Madrid’s 4-0 victory over Osasuna came at a heavy cost, with injuries to Éder Militão, Rodrygo, and Lucas Vázquez overshadowing the win. While Vinícius Júnior shone with a hat trick and Jude Bellingham celebrated his first goal of the season, Real’s growing injury list cast a shadow over the triumph. Manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed his concern about the demanding match calendar and its toll on players' health, noting, “Three injuries in the first half is quite strange... players go into games tired, so the risk of injuries is higher.”

Rodrygo, who had only recently returned from a hamstring injury, was the first to be subbed out, leaving the pitch after just 20 minutes. Brahim Díaz stepped in for him, only to later voice his dismay about the team’s injuries, saying, “It breaks my heart. I've come back from a long injury, and now it's their turn.” Soon after, Militão was stretchered off with youngster Raul Asencio called up from the reserves to take his place. Vázquez was the last to exit, replaced by Luka Modric at halftime.

With these setbacks, Madrid's defensive ranks are particularly stretched. Dani Carvajal is out for the season, David Alaba is still recovering from an ACL tear, and Aurélien Tchouaméni—occasionally deployed in defense—is sidelined with an ankle sprain. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is also unavailable due to a thigh injury. Ancelotti praised the contribution of Asencio from Castilla but was noncommittal about potential January transfers to address the depth issues, saying, "We’ll evaluate what we can do in January."

Real's challenges are further amplified by a recent string of disappointing home losses to Barcelona and AC Milan. Though Saturday’s win has eased some pressure, Madrid remains six points behind LaLiga leaders Barcelona, who have a game in hand. Now, with a two-week break before facing Leganés on Nov. 24 and then Liverpool at Anfield on Nov. 27 in the Champions League, Real Madrid has a crucial period ahead to regroup and recuperate.

In Ligue 1, Marseille’s head coach Roberto De Zerbi has expressed his own frustration, hinting at stepping down after a disheartening 3-1 home loss to Auxerre. The defeat has continued Marseille's poor run at home, putting De Zerbi’s position under scrutiny as he evaluates his future with the team.

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