Osasuna produced one of the biggest shocks of the La Liga season on Friday, defeating league leaders Real Madrid 2-1 at the Estadio El Sadar in Pamplona on Matchday 25. Raul Garcia scored a sensational last-minute winner in the 90th minute, with the goal confirmed after a lengthy VAR review, sending the home crowd into wild celebrations and dealing a significant blow to Carlo Ancelotti's title ambitions.
The hosts took the lead in the first half through Ante Budimir, who converted a penalty after Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois brought him down in the box. It was a clumsy challenge from the Belgian shot-stopper, and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Budimir dispatched the penalty with confidence, giving Osasuna a deserved lead at the break after an industrious opening 45 minutes from the home side.
Real Madrid, who arrived in Pamplona sitting atop the La Liga table with 60 points from 24 matches, gradually increased the pressure in the second half and found their equalizer through Vinicius Jr. in the 73rd minute. The Brazilian winger produced a moment of individual brilliance to level the score, and it appeared that Ancelotti's men would go on to claim at least a point from a difficult away fixture.
However, Osasuna had other ideas. In the final moments of the match, Raul Garcia rose to meet a cross and powered his effort past Courtois to make it 2-1. The stadium erupted, but there was an anxious wait as VAR officials checked the goal for a possible offside. After reviewing the footage, the goal was confirmed, sparking scenes of jubilation among the Osasuna faithful. It marked only the second time in La Liga history that Osasuna have beaten Real Madrid at El Sadar, making the result all the more historic for the Navarrese club.
The defeat represents a damaging setback for Ancelotti's side, who had been in commanding form throughout the campaign. Real Madrid now face increased pressure from their title rivals, and the Italian manager will need to rally his squad quickly to avoid further slips. Questions will be asked about the defensive discipline that allowed Osasuna to snatch victory in the dying seconds of the match.
Elsewhere on Matchday 25, there were draws across several other La Liga fixtures. Real Sociedad and Real Oviedo played out a thrilling 3-3 draw, while Real Betis were held to a 1-1 stalemate by Rayo Vallecano. Atletico Madrid, who are among the chief challengers to Real Madrid for the title, also dropped points after being held 1-1 by Espanyol, meaning the evening's results could reshape the upper reaches of the standings.
Attention now turns to the coming weeks as the title race enters a critical phase. Real Madrid will look to bounce back swiftly, but the memory of this stunning defeat in Pamplona will linger. For Osasuna, this victory represents a landmark moment in the club's recent history and a result that their supporters will cherish for years to come.
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