Osasuna beat Real Madrid 2-1 at El Sadar as Vinicius scored but a late Raul Garcia goal handed Barcelona title race momentum.
Osasuna claimed a famous 2-1 home win over Real Madrid to dent the visitors’ title charge. The result handed momentum to Barcelona in the race for the La Liga crown. Real had hoped to pull clear at the summit. Instead, they left Pamplona empty handed after a dramatic finale.
Real began with control of possession but looked uneasy when defending transitions. Osasuna created the first clear openings through Ante Budimir. Thibaut Courtois produced a stunning reflex save from close range. Minutes later, Budimir hit the post with a powerful header, another clear indication of the home side’s threat.
Madrid responded with patient buildup but struggled for penetration. Vinicius Junior was closely marked and quiet early on. Kylian Mbappe tested Sergio Herrera from distance. Osasuna remained compact and disciplined, waiting for mistakes.
The breakthrough arrived late in the first half amid controversy. Budimir chased a loose ball inside the area and went down under pressure from Courtois. The referee initially booked the striker for simulation. After a VAR review, the decision was overturned and a penalty awarded.
Budimir showed composure from the spot. He sent Courtois the wrong way to give Osasuna a deserved lead. Real pushed forward before the break but lacked sharpness. The home crowd sensed a rare opportunity.
Real increased the tempo after halftime and enjoyed sustained possession. Arda Guler flashed a rising effort narrowly over the bar. Mbappe thought he had equalised, only for the offside flag to intervene. Osasuna continued to defend deep but remained dangerous on the counter.
The introduction of fresh legs in Trent Alexander-Arnold and Brahim Diaz helped Madrid find width. Federico Valverde began to drive forward with more intent. Vinicius started to see more of the ball. Momentum gradually shifted toward the visitors.
The equaliser finally arrived in the 73rd minute. Valverde surged down the left and delivered a low cross. Vinicius arrived at the near post to convert from close range. It was his first away league goal since September and sparked belief among the Madrid players.
Real pressed for a winner as Osasuna retreated. Mbappe saw another effort blocked inside the area. Courtois remained near the halfway line as Madrid committed numbers forward. That gamble proved costly.
In stoppage time, Dani Ceballos lost possession in midfield. Raul Moro broke quickly and released Raul Garcia. The substitute skipped past a challenge and finished superbly from an angle. VAR confirmed he was onside, sending El Sadar into raptures.
Budimir’s physical presence set the tone all night. Vinicius was Madrid’s main attacking threat. Courtois made key saves but was involved in the penalty incident. Osasuna executed their plan with conviction.
Osasuna posted 2.05 expected goals from 13 attempts. Real finished with 1.69 from 15 shots. It was Osasuna’s first league win over Madrid since 2011. The result ends Real’s eight match winning run in La Liga.
Madrid remain two points clear but have played one game more. Barcelona can go top with victory over Levante on Sunday. Osasuna climb to ninth and strengthen their mid table position. European qualification is within sight for the hosts.
Osasuna turn attention to their next league fixture against Valencia with confidence restored. Real Madrid must regroup quickly ahead of their Champions League meeting with Benfica. The title race is now finely balanced. Every dropped point could prove decisive. Madrid return to league action when they host on Monday 2nd March.
