Vinícius nets hat trick in win as three Real Madrid players go down injured; Militão tears ACL

Vinícius Júnior shines with hat trick in Real Madrid win overshadowed by Militão ACL injury in La Liga.

Vinícius Júnior scored a hat trick as Real Madrid achieved a much-needed 4-0 win over Osasuna in La Liga on Saturday (November 10, 2024) that was marred by teammate Éder Militão tearing an ACL.

Madrid heard jeers in its previous two home games – a 4-0 loss to fierce rival Barcelona and 3-1 loss to AC Milan – but this easy victory came at a high price.

Militão crumbled to the turf while screaming and clutching the back of his right knee shortly before halftime. The central defender was taken off on a stretcher. Rodrygo and Lucas Vázquez also were unable to continue after apparently sustaining muscle injuries in the first half.

“We played a good game, and I am happy for the goals, but sad for the injuries to Mili, Rodry and Lucas,” Vinícius said. “I am sad that Mili has to go through this again.”

Vinícius, who apparently felt overlooked when the Ballon d’Or went to Spain’s Rodri last week, got his second hat trick of the season and took his overall tally to 12 goals. Jude Bellingham’s goal made it 2-0.

“Vinícius makes the difference,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said. “Not winning the Ballon d’Or is a detail that did not affect him as we can see today.”

Madrid is in second place, six points behind leader Barcelona.