Osasuna - Real Madrid: Keys to the win and LaLiga impact

Osasuna beat Real Madrid at El Sadar in a match defined by a disputed penalty, a crucial finish by Vinícius and a 90th-minute Raul García goal later validated by VAR. The result matters now because it hands momentum to Barcelona in the title fight and exposes persistent concerns in Real Madrid’s setup.

Osasuna - Real Madrid: Late goal decides

The decisive sequence came deep into stoppage time when Raul García struck what proved to be the winner; the VAR check confirmed the goal by millimetres. Earlier, a penalti that generated debate set up a Vinícius finish after a quality cross from Federico Valverde. Despite that equalizer, Osasuna’s persistence and willingness to take risks at key moments produced the late payoff.

Tactical notes in osasuna - real madrid

Real Madrid arrived with rotation in defence and a compact, conservative midfield posture. Mbappé’s lack of rhythm limited his link-up with Vinícius; the French forward was described as being out of form and struggled to combine in the final third. Vinícius, Valverde and Tchouaméni were singled out as the only Madrid players who matched the required level on the night.

Osasuna leaned on wide play and counter intent, pressing Madrid’s defensive uncertainties. Rubén García’s activity on the flank helped generate chances, while Budimir’s presence in the area produced moments of real danger, including a header that hit the post. Individual errors in Madrid’s backline — a late clearance that led to the initial penalty and a separate poor movement on the late goal — directly contributed to the scoreline.

Implications for the title race

For Real Madrid, the defeat widens immediate pressure: a result that “had to be won” instead slipped away and hands an opening to Barcelona in the LaLiga chase. For Osasuna, the win rewards an aggressive tactical choice and extends a strong home sequence; the team had not lost at El Sadar since November and produced one of its season-defining performances.

Looking ahead, Osasuna’s schedule features a compact block of fixtures that will test whether this momentum holds. The club’s upcoming slate includes league matches and a key return leg in continental playoff competition, which will determine its place in the next round. Real Madrid faces an interruption to momentum and must address the defensive lapses and the uneven form of its forwards before the next round of fixtures.

Key takeaways

• Osasuna’s risk-taking and finishing at the end decided the match; a VAR-validated 90th-minute strike sealed the win.
• Madrid’s rotation and individual defensive errors were costly; Vinícius, Valverde and Tchouaméni were the only consistent performers noted.
• The result boosts Barcelona’s position in the title race and leaves immediate tactical questions for Madrid ahead of a congested calendar.