Real Madrid knew they would have a tough time breaking down Osasuna’s defense, which ranked seventh in La Liga in goals allowed coming into Matchday 34. Los Blancos actually created a ton of chances against Osasuna, but it took them a long time to find the breakthrough goal.
In the end, they found goals, plural. The first was a perfect cross from substitute Isco, converted with a header by Eder Militao, who had nearly scored on three earlier occasions. And the second goal was scored by Casemiro, as an even better ball from Karim Benzema ricocheted off his foot and past an otherwise brilliant Sergio Herrera.
All in all, it was another positive performance from Real Madrid and a bounce back from their draws against Chelsea and Real Betis.
Here are three takeaways from the 2-0 win at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.
The legend of Eder Militao grows
We have to jump right into a discussion about Eder Militao and praise him heavily for his work in this game. He was one of the top three players of the month of April, as the month served as something of a breakout for the young Brazilian center back.
Militao was one of the best players on the pitch in recent matches against Getafe, Real Betis, and Chelsea. And that continued against Osasuna. The funny thing is that Militao was the most dangerous attacking player for Real Madrid, beyond just being their best defender.
Aside from one misplaced pass to Thibaut Courtois, Militao had a tremendous ballgame for Real Madrid. He continues to grow in stature each week. And in Madrid, we talk a lot about how center backs have to transcend the game and add to the attack. Well, Militao certainly did that on Saturday night.