Osasuna shock Real Madrid with a dramatic late winner in La Liga, tightening the title race and boosting their European hopes
Club Atlético Osasuna produced a dramatic and historic 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at El Sadar on Saturday, as Raul Garcia’s late strike sealed a stunning La Liga upset and dealt a serious blow to Madrid’s title ambitions.
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The result leaves reigning champions Barcelona just two points behind Real Madrid and poised to move top of the table should they defeat Levante at Camp Nou on Sunday.
Real Madrid, managed by Alvaro Arbeloa, delivered a below-par display that appeared shaped by thoughts of Wednesday’s pivotal Champions League play-off second leg against Benfica, coached by Jose Mourinho.
Despite dominating spells of possession, the visitors lacked tempo and cutting edge.
Ante Budimir proved a relentless menace from the outset. The Croatian forward narrowly missed the far post early on before forcing an excellent save from Thibaut Courtois, who reacted sharply to deny a close-range header under pressure. Budimir later struck the post as Osasuna’s intent became unmistakable.
The breakthrough arrived after Budimir burst into the penalty area and fell under a challenge from Courtois. Although initially booked for simulation, a VAR review showed contact from the Belgian goalkeeper.
Budimir kept his composure to convert the penalty, sending Courtois the wrong way.
“I knew it was a penalty and I wanted to stay cool while it was being reviewed,” Budimir said.
Real Madrid responded with greater urgency after the interval. Arda Guler fired narrowly over, and Kylian Mbappe had an effort ruled out for offside.
Arbeloa introduced Trent Alexander-Arnold and Brahim Diaz in search of creativity, and the pressure intensified.
The equaliser came through a powerful surge from Fede Valverde, who shrugged off defenders before crossing for Vinicius Junior to finish calmly.
The Brazilian’s fifth goal in four matches underlined a sharp return to form since Arbeloa succeeded Xabi Alonso in January.
Mbappe, La Liga’s leading scorer, squandered a golden opportunity to put Madrid ahead when Javi Galan produced a brilliant last-ditch block. That wasted chance proved costly.
With the contest seemingly drifting towards a draw, Raul Garcia cut inside Raul Asencio and fired across Courtois into the far corner.
The assistant’s flag briefly curtailed celebrations, but VAR confirmed the striker was onside, igniting scenes of jubilation inside El Sadar.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” Raul Garcia told DAZN. “The fans deserved a victory like this after so many years.”
The win marks Osasuna’s first league triumph over Real Madrid in 15 years and lifts the club to ninth place, strengthening hopes of a push towards European contention.
Arbeloa admitted shortcomings in his side’s display. “It was not a good game from us. We have to play a lot better,” the Madrid coach said. “On Wednesday we have another final, another game that is very important for us.”
Elsewhere, Real Betis were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Rayo Vallecano, remaining three points behind fourth-placed Atletico Madrid, who host Espanyol later on Saturday.
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For Madrid, however, the defining narrative remains clear. Osasuna shock Real Madrid in a result that could reverberate decisively through an increasingly tense title race.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
