Real Madrid suffered a dramatic 2–1 defeat away to Osasuna on Saturday evening at the hostile Estadio El Sadar, with Raúl Garcia de Haro scoring a stoppage-time winner that was initially ruled out before being awarded following a VAR review. The result dealt a significant blow to Madrid’s La Liga title ambitions while providing Osasuna with one of their most memorable victories of the season.
Despite dominating possession and creating more chances, Los Blancos were undone by defensive lapses and Osasuna’s clinical finishing at key moments.
Real Madrid entered the match as league leaders and quickly established control, enjoying the majority of possession while probing Osasuna’s defensive structure. However, the hosts remained organized and disciplined, defending deep in a compact 4-5-1 shape that frustrated Madrid’s attacking rhythm.
The breakthrough came in the 38th minute, but for Osasuna. After a VAR review confirmed contact from Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois on Ante Budimir inside the penalty area, the Croatian striker stepped up and calmly converted the spot kick to give the home side a 1–0 lead.
The goal shifted the momentum of the contest. Osasuna grew in confidence, while Madrid were forced to increase urgency in their attacking play before halftime.
The second half saw Real Madrid push forward with greater intensity. Their midfield began to move the ball quicker, attempting to stretch Osasuna’s defensive lines through wide play and overlapping runs.
Their persistence was eventually rewarded in the 73rd minute when Vinícius Júnior restored parity. Federico Valverde delivered a low cross into the penalty area, and the Brazilian forward finished from close range to make it 1–1.
The equaliser appeared to tilt the match in Madrid’s favour. With over 60% possession overall and more attempts on goal, the visitors looked more likely to find a winner as Osasuna were forced deeper into their own half.
However, despite territorial dominance, Madrid struggled to convert control into clear-cut opportunities, a recurring issue that ultimately proved costly.
Osasuna’s defensive performance was central to the outcome. The midfield unit worked tirelessly to close passing lanes, while the back line dealt effectively with crosses and through balls. Their strategy relied on patience — absorbing pressure and waiting for moments to counterattack.
Real Madrid continued to circulate possession and introduced substitutions in an attempt to change the tempo, but Osasuna’s physical intensity and organization prevented sustained attacking momentum.
As the match entered stoppage time, it appeared both sides might settle for a draw. Instead, the contest produced late drama.
Deep into added time, Osasuna launched a quick counterattack following a Real Madrid mistake in midfield. Substitute Raúl García de Haro received the ball inside the penalty area and fired past Courtois to send the home crowd into wild celebration.
Initially, the goal was ruled out for offside. However, after a VAR review, the decision was overturned and the goal was awarded in the 90th minute, sealing a famous 2–1 victory for Osasuna.
Real Madrid pushed forward desperately in the remaining seconds but were unable to find an equalizer, confirming a damaging defeat.
Ante Budimir played a crucial role for Osasuna, winning and converting the penalty while providing a physical presence that troubled Madrid’s defense throughout the match.
Raúl García de Haro delivered the defining moment with his stoppage-time winner, while goalkeeper Sergio Herrera and the defensive unit produced a resilient performance under sustained pressure.
For Real Madrid, Vinícius Júnior was their most dangerous attacker, consistently threatening Osasuna’s defensive line and scoring the equalizer. Federico Valverde also contributed with energy and creativity, particularly with his assist.
The defeat could have major consequences in the La Liga title race. Real Madrid remained on 60 points, with rivals Barcelona having the opportunity to close the gap or move ahead depending on their results.
For Osasuna, the victory strengthens their league position and provides a huge morale boost as they continue their campaign.
