He real Madrid suffered a severe blow to LaLiga after falling 2-1 against Osasuna in El Sadar, in a match marked by the intensity of the Navarrese team and decided with a goal in the 90th minute by Raúl García. The result represents the first league defeat since the arrival of Álvaro Arbeloa to the white bench and could cost them the leadership if FC Barcelona wins their Sunday match.
Four days before the return of the playoff for access to the round of 16 of the Champions League, the merengue team showed wear and tear and a lack of forcefulness in key moments of the match.
Budimir overtakes Osasuna after VAR review
The home team struck first in the 38th minute thanks to Ante Budimir. The Croatian forward caused a penalty after a stomp by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, an action that was reviewed by the VAR before being confirmed by the referee. Budimir did not miss from eleven meters and ignited a crowd that pushed throughout the game.
Osasuna maintained high pressure and managed to make it difficult for Real Madrid to get the ball out, which had difficulty imposing its rhythm for a good part of the match.
Vinicius equalizes after a spectacular play by Valverde
In the second half, Real Madrid reacted with brilliant individual action from Fede Valverde. The Uruguayan left several rivals behind with power and speed before sending a cross into the area that Vinicius Jr. pushed into the net in the 73rd minute.
The Brazilian confirmed his good offensive moment by scoring his fifth goal in the last four games in all competitions, momentarily returning hope to the championship leader.
Raúl García scores a great goal in the 90th minute and seals the match
When it seemed that the tie would be final, Raúl García appeared in the final stretch to unleash madness in El Sadar. The attacker cut Raúl Asencio inside the area and beat Courtois with a right-footed shot in the 90th minute. The play was reviewed by the VAR for a possible offside, but finally the goal went up on the scoreboard.
The footballer himself explained after the match that it was an action that he usually tries frequently and that he remained calm to finish against the Madrid goalkeeper.
Mbappé sees a goal disallowed and the leadership is at risk
Real Madrid also had options, including a goal disallowed for offside against Kylian Mbappé, but they were unable to avoid a defeat that represents a significant blow in the fight for the title.
With this victory, Osasuna adds three key points in its fight for permanence and achieves its first league victory against the white team in 15 years. For its part, FC Barcelona could regain the lead if it beats Levante, while Real Betis drew 1-1 against Rayo Vallecano and Atlético de Madrid seeks to react against Espanyol after its last defeat.
