El Sadar Shock: Osasuna Stun Real Madrid to Blow Title Race Wide Open

PAMPLONA – Real Madrid’s eight-match winning streak in La Liga came to a crashing halt on Saturday as they suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Osasuna at a raucous Estadio El Sadar. A 90th-minute winner from Raúl García secured Osasuna’s first victory over the Merengues since 2011, handing Alvaro Arbeloa his first league defeat as Real Madrid manager.

Match Summary

The encounter began with a high-intensity press from the hosts, who looked to exploit the absence of Jude Bellingham in Madrid's midfield. The breakthrough came in the 38th minute following a controversial VAR review. Thibaut Courtois was judged to have fouled Ante Budimir inside the box during a scramble. The Croatian striker stepped up himself, coolly slotting the penalty into the bottom corner to give Osasuna the lead.

Real Madrid responded with pressure in the second half. Arda Güler and Kylian Mbappé—who returned to the starting lineup despite fitness concerns—tested Sergio Herrera, but the equalizer didn't arrive until the 73rd minute. Vinícius Júnior provided the spark, finishing a low cross from Federico Valverde to silence the Pamplona crowd and seemingly rescue a point for the leaders.

However, in the dying moments of the match, a defensive lapse proved fatal. Dani Ceballos lost possession in a dangerous area, allowing Raúl García to cut inside and curl a magnificent strike past Courtois, sending El Sadar into a state of delirium.

Key Moments and Statistics

Event

Player

Minute

Goal (OSA)

Ante Budimir (Penalty)

38'

Goal (RMD)

Vinícius Júnior

73'

Goal (OSA)

Raúl García

90'

Yellow Card

Thibaut Courtois

37'

Yellow Card

Trent Alexander-Arnold

84'

Possession: Real Madrid 61% - Osasuna 39%

Shots on Target: Real Madrid 7 - Osasuna 4

The Arbeloa Era: First Domestic Setback

For Alvaro Arbeloa, this match represents a significant reality check. Since taking over the helm from Carlo Ancelotti, Arbeloa had enjoyed a "honeymoon" period characterized by defensive solidity and clinical attacking. However, at El Sadar, his side struggled to break down Osasuna's low block.

Post-match, Arbeloa expressed his frustration with the officiating but admitted his team lacked "speed and intensity" in the first half. The decision to start Mbappé, who appeared to be playing at less than 100%, will likely be a point of debate in the Spanish media this week.

Title Race Implications

The loss leaves Real Madrid vulnerable at the top of the table. While they remain in first place with 61 points, Barcelona sits just two points behind with a game in hand against Levante tomorrow. A win for Hansi Flick’s side would see the Catalan giants leapfrog Madrid into the top spot.

What's Next?

Real Madrid must turn their attention quickly to the UEFA Champions League, where they face a crucial return leg against Benfica on Wednesday. Osasuna, now sitting comfortably in 10th place, will look to carry this momentum into their next fixture as they eye a late push for European qualification.