Real Madrid arrived at El Sadar under the management of Alvaro Arbeloa, looking to consolidate a two-point lead at the summit of La Liga. However, the tactical 'how' of the first half was dictated by Osasuna’s aggressive 4-2-3-1 mid-block, which targeted Raul Asencio and Alvaro Carreras in the build-up phase. The home side’s pressing triggers were activated whenever Eduardo Camavinga dropped between the center-backs, effectively cutting off the supply line to Arda Guler. The breakthrough arrived in the 38th minute following a sequence of sustained vertical pressure. Ante Budimir exploited a lapse in communication between Thibaut Courtois and his backline, drawing a foul from the Belgian keeper. After a VAR review, Budimir converted the penalty with clinical precision to make it 1-0. Osasuna’s first-half xG of 1.12 reflected their ability to manufacture high-value chances through transitional play, while Madrid’s possession remained largely sterile.
The Valverde Engine and Vinicius's Tactical Isolation
The second half saw Arbeloa attempt to fix Madrid’s lack of width by introducing Trent Alexander-Arnold and Brahim Diaz in the 67th minute. This shift intended to create 2v1 overloads against Javi Galan, but Osasuna’s discipline remained unbroken until the 73rd minute. The equalizer was a byproduct of individual persistence; Federico Valverde intercepted a loose ball in the middle third and drove into the box, cutting back for Vinicius Junior to poke home. Despite the 1-1 scoreline, Madrid struggled with defensive transitions, winning only 42% of their defensive duels in the middle third. Osasuna’s tactical response was to introduce Raul Garcia and Raul Moro, shifting to a more direct 4-4-2 that utilized the channels to stretch Madrid’s tiring defensive line. Madrid’s reliance on 60.4% possession proved deceptive, as they failed to convert dominance into clear-cut opportunities against a set-piece xG of just 0.18.
The 92nd-Minute VAR Drama and Final Metrics
The match reached a chaotic crescendo in stoppage time. In the 92nd minute, Raul Moro exploited the space vacated by an advanced Trent Alexander-Arnold to deliver a low cross to Raul Garcia, who finished from a tight angle. Initially ruled out for offside, a lengthy VAR intervention overturned the decision, confirming Garcia was played onside by a retreating Antonio Rudiger. The 2-1 victory for Osasuna was underpinned by an elite defensive performance, recording 32 clearances and 14 interceptions. Real Madrid’s 14 total shots resulted in only 4 on target, illustrating a profound lack of clinical edge in the absence of Jude Bellingham. Statistically, the match was won in the transitions; Osasuna generated 3 big chances compared to Madrid’s 1, ruthlessly punishing the high line that Arbeloa had refused to drop despite the mounting pressure.
Performance Metrics: A Title Race Reopened
The fallout from El Sadar is significant for the La Liga title race. Real Madrid’s first domestic defeat since early January leaves them vulnerable to a resurgent Barcelona. The metrics highlight a structural fatigue in the Madrid midfield, with Aurelien Tchouameni and Camavinga losing a combined 15 balls in the central third. For Osasuna, the victory is a tactical triumph for Alessio Lisci, whose side achieved a 94% tackle success rate in the final third. Ante Budimir was the standout performer, providing the focal point for an attack that outran their illustrious opponents by 3.8 kilometers. As Madrid prepares for the second leg against Benfica, Arbeloa must address the 1.54 xGA (Expected Goals Against) that his side has averaged over the last three fixtures—a defensive fragility that Osasuna exploited to perfection tonight.