Osasuna Stun Real Madrid with Last-Minute La Liga Thriller
Real Madrid’s march toward the La Liga title faced a shocking halt at the Estadio El Sadar as Osasuna pulled off a dramatic 2-1 victory. The league leaders, looking to extend their advantage at the top, found themselves undone by a resilient home side, leaving fans in Pamplona celebrating and Madrid questioning their grip on the championship race.
The game’s turning point came in the first half when Ante Budimir won and converted a penalty in the 38th minute, giving Osasuna a lead that would prove crucial. Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, was tested multiple times, including a stunning one-handed save to keep the scoreline respectable, but the home side remained dangerous throughout. Budimir even struck the post with a header, keeping tension high for the visitors.
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For Real Madrid, the breakthrough finally came in the 73rd minute. Federico Valverde delivered a precise cross and Vinicius Junior tapped home to equalize, his first away league goal in nearly five months. The Brazil forward’s performance carried additional weight, coming just days after he spoke out about alleged racial abuse during their Champions League win against Benfica. His goal seemed to set the stage for a comeback and the momentum appeared to shift toward the visitors.
Yet Osasuna was far from finished. In the closing moments, substitute Raúl García slipped past defenders and scored from a tight angle. Initially flagged for offside, a VAR review confirmed the goal, sparking wild celebrations among the home supporters. This strike not only sealed the match but marked Osasuna’s first league victory over Real Madrid since 2011, lifting them up to ninth place in the table.
For Real Madrid, the consequences are immediate and significant. With this defeat, their lead over Barcelona narrows to just two points and Barcelona now has the opportunity to reclaim the top spot with a win over Levante. Manager Álvaro Arbeloa faces questions about his team’s consistency and ability to close out matches, especially against mid-table sides showing defensive discipline and counterattacking prowess.
This result underscores the unpredictability of La Liga, where no team can afford to drop points and every match carries weight in the title race. Real Madrid must regroup quickly, address lapses in concentration and maintain focus as the season enters a critical phase.
Stay tuned for in-depth analysis, player reactions and updates from the La Liga table as the battle for the top intensifies and every match takes on championship-level stakes.
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