Real Madrid’s La Liga title ambitions suffered a blow as they fell 2-1 to Osasuna, handing Barcelona the initiative in the race for the championship. Vinicius Jr scored his fifth goal in four games to briefly equalize, but it was not enough to prevent Alvaro Arbeloa’s side from suffering their first league defeat in six matches under his management.
Osasuna took the lead through Ante Budimir, who converted a first-half penalty after a contentious decision by referee Alejandro Quintero Gonzalez. Budimir had earlier been denied by a brilliant one-handed save from Thibaut Courtois and also struck the post with a header. A VAR review confirmed the penalty despite protests, as Courtois appeared to impede Budimir in the box.
Real Madrid Stumble Against Osasuna as Barcelona Gains La Liga AdvantageAlexander-Arnold Sparks Real Attack but Osasuna Clinches Stunning Late Victory
The introduction of Trent Alexander-Arnold in the 64th minute helped shift momentum in Real’s favor. His cross-field pass created a chance for Vinicius, whose initial effort was blocked. Moments later, Vinicius redeemed himself by converting Federico Valverde’s low cross, marking his first away league goal in nearly five months. Despite his goal, Madrid were unable to capitalize on further opportunities, including Kylian Mbappe’s close-range effort that was ruled offside.
Osasuna sealed the win in stoppage time when substitute Raul Garcia scored from an acute angle, with VAR confirming the goal was onside. This victory marked Osasuna’s first league win against Real Madrid since 2011 and lifted the Pamplona club to ninth in the standings.
Madrid remains two points ahead of Barcelona but has played one more game, leaving their title chase precarious. Vinicius’s personal resilience after alleging racial abuse in the Champions League showed his quality, yet Real’s defensive lapses and Osasuna’s clinical finishing proved decisive in a game that could have major implications for the La Liga title.
