Garcia’s Last‑Minute Stunner Hands Real Madrid a Costly 2-1 Defeat at Osasuna

Real Madrid’s title push took a hit on Saturday after a superb 90th‑minute strike from Raúl García sealed a 2-1 win for Osasuna at El Sadar, leaving the league leaders vulnerable at the top of La Liga. Barcelona sit just two points behind and can leapfrog Madrid if they beat Levante at Camp Nou on Sunday.

Alvaro Arbeloa’s side looked flat throughout the night, their minds seemingly drifting toward Wednesday’s Champions League play‑off second leg against José Mourinho’s Benfica. Osasuna, meanwhile, were sharp and aggressive, with Ante Budimir tormenting Madrid’s defence from the opening whistle.

Budimir forced Thibaut Courtois into multiple saves, clipped the post with a header, and eventually put Osasuna ahead from the penalty spot. Vinícius Júnior equalised for Madrid, briefly lifting the visitors’ hopes after a difficult evening, but García’s late rocket ensured Osasuna climbed to ninth and Madrid left Pamplona empty‑handed.

“It was not a good game from us… we have to play a lot better,” Arbeloa admitted afterward. “Nobody likes to lose, us least of all, but we’re not hurt. There’s a long way to go. We lacked speed in our play.”

Madrid defender David Alaba came close before Osasuna’s opener, but the visitors never found their rhythm. Vinícius, who scored a brilliant goal in the first leg against Benfica and has been at the centre of racial‑abuse allegations this week, thought he had salvaged a point — only for García to strike at the death.

Madrid now turn their attention to Europe, where another high‑stakes clash awaits.Garcia’s Last‑Minute Stunner Hands Real Madrid a Costly 2–1 Defeat at Osasuna

Real Madrid’s title push took a hit on Saturday after a superb 90th‑minute strike from Raúl García sealed a 2-1 win for Osasuna at El Sadar, leaving the league leaders vulnerable at the top of La Liga. Barcelona sit just two points behind and can leapfrog Madrid if they beat Levante at Camp Nou on Sunday.

Alvaro Arbeloa’s side looked flat throughout the night, their minds seemingly drifting toward Wednesday’s Champions League play‑off second leg against José Mourinho’s Benfica. Osasuna, meanwhile, were sharp and aggressive, with Ante Budimir tormenting Madrid’s defence from the opening whistle.

Budimir forced Thibaut Courtois into multiple saves, clipped the post with a header, and eventually put Osasuna ahead from the penalty spot. Vinícius Júnior equalised for Madrid, briefly lifting the visitors’ hopes after a difficult evening, but García’s late rocket ensured Osasuna climbed to ninth and Madrid left Pamplona empty‑handed.

“It was not a good game from us… we have to play a lot better,” Arbeloa admitted afterward. “Nobody likes to lose, us least of all, but we’re not hurt. There’s a long way to go. We lacked speed in our play.”

Madrid defender David Alaba came close before Osasuna’s opener, but the visitors never found their rhythm. Vinícius, who scored a brilliant goal in the first leg against Benfica and has been at the centre of racial‑abuse allegations this week, thought he had salvaged a point only for García to strike at the death.

Madrid now turn their attention to Europe, where another high‑stakes clash awaits.