Real Madrid are confident of being able to secure their place in the quarter finals of the Copa del Rey after defeating Osasuna 2-0 in the first leg of the last 16 round.
The visitors fought hard during the first hour, but at the end of the game, when Real’s better physical condition prevailed, they got lucky as the hosts missed clear chances to close the tier.
Osasuna showed audacity in the first minutes of their visit to the Santiago Bernabeu. After having upset Los Blancos last month at Pamplona with a 2-2 draw in La Liga, the Rojillos were confident of repeating a feat.
The seemed to take control of the ball at the beginning of the match, and Alvaro Cejudo tested Iker Casillas from inside the box. Real’s captain claimed the winger’s effort.
The hosts took could have taken the lead when the referee conceded for a tackle on Jese. But he changed his mind and decided to book the youngster for diving.
Nevertheless, a couple of minutes later, Karim Benzema made it 1-0 after heading Luka Modric’s free kick.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men started dominating possession, but Osasuna recovered soon and had a chance to equalise as Oier sent a header wide of the post.
Jese showed his great state of shape in a brilliant play, but Alejandro Arribas came from nowhere to make a fine diving challenge and prevent Cristiano Ronaldo from sending the youngster’s cross to the back of the net.
Ronaldo could have scored again in the hour mark, but he fired his effort straight to the goalkeeper from close range. Nevertheless, one minute later, Jese made it 2-0 taking advantage of some horror defending from Osasuna.
Gareth Bale could have increased the host’s lead but his effort striked Ronaldo and dropped wide of the post. Pepe also sent a strike from 25 metres close to the post, and Alvaro Morata’s great chance was denied by Asier Riesgo in the last minutes.
Bad luck prevented the Santiago Bernabeu from seeing a goal fest, but a 2-0 win should be enough for Los Blancos to move into the next round of the Copa del Rey.
