PAMPLONA, SPAIN — Deep into stoppage time at El Sadar, Raúl García tucked home from close range to hand Osasuna a dramatic 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in LaLiga, a result confirmed only after a tense VAR review that silenced the visitors and sent the home faithful into raptures. The league leaders, who had fought back through Vinícius Júnior to level in the 73rd minute, were denied a point in the cruelest of fashions as García prodded home Raúl Moro's delivery in the 90th minute to complete a remarkable turnaround.
Real Madrid dominated the ball with 61.2% possession, pinning Osasuna back for long stretches, but the hosts proved that composure and organisation can overcome even the most technically gifted opponents. Osasuna, sitting ninth in the table with 33 points, took the lead through a 38th-minute penalty when Ante Budimir stepped up and coolly converted with a left-footed shot to the bottom left corner. It was a moment of calm in a feisty first half that had already seen chances at both ends, with Sergio Herrera producing a fine save in the 21st minute to deny Raúl Asencio's header from Arda Güler's cross — a moment that proved crucial in keeping Osasuna's advantage intact at the break.
The second half began with Real Madrid, first in the table with 60 points, pushing relentlessly for an equaliser. Carlo Ancelotti's side introduced Trent Alexander-Arnold and Brahim Díaz in the 64th minute, injecting fresh energy and width into their attack. The changes had the desired effect, and nine minutes later Vinícius Júnior restored parity, firing home from very close range after Federico Valverde delivered a precise cross into the box. It was a goal that appeared to have rescued a point for the champions, and Valverde's departure just two minutes later — replaced by Gonzalo García — suggested the visitors were managing the game toward a draw.
Osasuna, however, refused to accept that script. The hosts continued to press and harry, and the referee was busy throughout, brandishing six cards in a fiery affair — four yellows for Real Madrid, including late bookings for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Vinícius Júnior, and two for the hosts. Jon Moncayola was cautioned in the 66th minute before being replaced by substitute Raúl Moro, who would go on to play a decisive role in the outcome. David Alaba also picked up a yellow in the dying moments as Madrid's frustration boiled over.
The statistics told a different story from the scoreline, with Real Madrid dominating possession and chances but Osasuna taking all three points. Despite 13 attempts, Osasuna managed just two on target — but both counted. Sergio Herrera was tested four times and stood firm when it mattered most, while at the other end, Osasuna's goalkeeper made one crucial save to preserve the lead in the first half. Real Madrid's 15 shots and seven corners reflected their territorial dominance, yet their inability to convert pressure into goals proved their undoing on a night when Osasuna's defensive discipline was exemplary.
The turning point, beyond García's winner, was arguably the VAR review itself — a nervy wait that stretched the tension inside El Sadar to breaking point before the goal was confirmed, sparking scenes of jubilation among the home supporters. Substitute Moro's assist capped a fine cameo, and the decision to introduce fresh legs in the final ten minutes ultimately proved the difference between a draw and a famous victory.
Real Madrid must dust themselves off before facing Real Sociedad at home on March 15, while Osasuna will look to build on this when Valencia visit on March 1.
