Real Madrid 7 - 1 Osasuna (Spanish League Day 12)

Real Madrid today played a 12:00 (local time) match at the Bernabeu for the first time, defeating Osasuna with a whopping 7-1 score thanks in part to yet another Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick. Nuri Sahin made his debut and received a standing ovation from the crowd, which is anxious to see last season's top Bundesliga player in action.

Benzema and Cristiano punished Osasuna

Higuain and Arbeloa made the starting lineup. Real had a less frantic start to the match today, showcasing less intensity but maintaining their goal scoring instincts intact. They constantly reached Osasuna's box and hardly experienced any trouble near their own goal. An excellent cross from Di Maria was headed in by Ronaldo on the 22-minute mark, starting the ensuing pour that was preceded nonetheless by a cheeky effort from the visitors: Raul Garcia took a free-kick very quickly and Ibrahima controlled the ball, defeating Casillas in a one-on-one (30'). This was Osasuna's fist and only time near the keeper's goal in the entire match.

Real reacted quickly. Di Maria served another cross and Pepe also scored the second from a header. This was a harsh blow to Mendilibar's men. The Whites noticed and looked to seal the match with a third strike, netted by Higuain through one of the top corners of the goal after being assisted by Di Maria inside the area and spectacularly overtaking Lolo.

Unfortunately, Di Maria had to leave the pitch on a stretcher at the start of the second half. Benzema came on for the Argentinean, who had been Real's best man until then. With nothing left to lose, Osasuna started attacking more and Mourinho's men used this to score more goals from counterattacks. In one of these, Ozil reached the opponent's box and was challenged late by Sarustegui, who was sent off with a second booking. Cristiano scored a fourth for the Merengues in the penalty (54') and, three minutes later, tallied another header following a precise cross from Arbeloa.

Osasuna just waited for the match to end as they withstood the locals' onslaught. Benzema scored a fifth for his side in the 61st minute and Mourinho decided to allow Sahin to make his debut amidst the party atmosphere. The Turkish player replaced Khedira and positioned himself next to Xabi Alonso. Callejon then came on for Ozil.

Real logically decreased the intensity of their performance in the last 15 minutes, but they still looked for more goals. Sahin nearly scored from a free-kick and Osasuna continued to make mistakes in defence. Benzema used this to tally the final strike of the match from a powerful shot inside the box. Being one man down completely weakened Osasuna, who offered no resistance until the end of the clash.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 83,000
Goals: 1-0, m. 23: Cristiano Ronaldo. 1-1, m. 30: Ibrahima. 2-1, m. 34: Pepe. 3-1, m. 40: Higuain. 4-1, m. 54: Cristiano Ronaldo (pen.). 5-1, m. 58: Cristiano Ronaldo. 6-1, m. 62: Benzema. 7-1, m. 81: Benzema.