Vinicius ratings however Real Madrid crushed by means of Osasuna – Life Pulse Daily
Editor-in-chiefFebruary 23, 20264 Mins read15
Vinicius ratings however Real Madrid crushed by means of Osasuna – Life Pulse Daily
Introduction
Real Madrid’s hopes of extending their lead in the La Liga title race suffered a major setback on Saturday as they fell to a 2-1 defeat against Osasuna at El Sadar Stadium. Despite Vinicius Jr scoring his fifth goal in four games, Los Blancos were unable to overcome the spirited home side, leaving Barcelona poised to take advantage in the championship battle. This loss marks a rare defeat for Real Madrid under interim manager Alvaro Arbeloa, and it has significant implications for the remainder of the season.
Key Points
- Real Madrid lost 2-1 to Osasuna, with Vinicius Jr scoring the only goal for the visitors.
- Osasuna took the lead through a first-half penalty by Ante Budimir after a controversial VAR decision.
- Raul Garcia sealed the win for Osasuna late in the match, despite an initial offside flag.
- The defeat means Real Madrid remain two points clear of Barcelona, but have played one more game.
- Vinicius Jr’s goal was his first away league goal in nearly five months.
Background
Real Madrid entered the match with high hopes of extending their lead at the top of La Liga. Having won their previous four games, they were looking to put pressure on Barcelona and move five points clear at the summit. Osasuna, meanwhile, were aiming to end a long winless streak against Los Blancos, having not beaten them since 2011.
The match also came in the wake of an emotional week for Vinicius Jr, who had recently alleged he was racially abused during a Champions League fixture against Benfica. The Brazilian forward was under intense scrutiny, and his every touch was met with whistles from the home crowd.
Analysis
First Half: Controversy and Missed Opportunities
The first half was marked by controversy and missed chances. Osasuna dominated the early exchanges, with Ante Budimir coming close on several occasions. Thibaut Courtois was called into action, producing a stunning one-handed save to deny Budimir from close range. Moments later, Budimir hit the post with a header, leaving Real Madrid fortunate to still be level.
The turning point came late in the first half when Budimir went down in the penalty area after a challenge from Courtois. Referee Alejandro Quintero Gonzalez initially booked Budimir for simulation, but after consulting the pitchside monitor, he awarded a penalty. Replays showed that Courtois had stood on Budimir’s foot as he rounded him, making the decision correct. Budimir stepped up and sent Courtois the wrong way to give Osasuna a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Second Half: Vinicius Responds, but Osasuna Hold On
Real Madrid came out with renewed purpose in the second half, and the introduction of Trent Alexander-Arnold in the 64th minute provided a spark. The England defender instantly created a chance for Vinicius, but his goalbound effort was blocked. Vinicius, whose every touch was still being whistled by the home fans, made amends minutes later. He converted a low cross from Federico Valverde, slotting the ball into the net from the penalty area to level the score at 1-1.
Real Madrid pushed for a winner, with Kylian Mbappe finding the top corner from close range, only to be denied by the offside flag. However, Osasuna were not done. Substitute Raul Garcia, who had only been on the pitch for a few minutes, skipped past a challenge and finished brilliantly past Courtois from an acute angle. Initially flagged offside, the goal was given after a VAR review confirmed Garcia was onside. The final score was 2-1 to Osasuna.
Practical Advice
For Real Madrid, this defeat serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining focus and discipline, especially in away fixtures. The team must quickly regroup and address defensive lapses, as the title race is far from over. For Osasuna, this victory is a significant morale boost and a statement of intent against the league’s top sides.
Fantasy football managers should note Vinicius Jr’s continued form, despite the team’s loss. His goal-scoring streak makes him a valuable asset, particularly in away fixtures where he has recently found his scoring touch. Conversely, Real Madrid’s defense may be a risky proposition in the coming weeks, given their recent vulnerability.
FAQ
What was the final score between Osasuna and Real Madrid?
Osasuna defeated Real Madrid 2-1 at El Sadar Stadium.
Who scored for Real Madrid?
Vinicius Jr scored the only goal for Real Madrid, netting in the 73rd minute.
Was there any controversy in the match?
Yes, the first-half penalty awarded to Osasuna after a VAR review was controversial, as the referee initially booked Ante Budimir for simulation before changing his decision.
How does this result affect the La Liga title race?
Real Madrid remain two points clear of Barcelona but have played one more game. Barcelona can go top with a win against Levante on Sunday.
How has Vinicius Jr performed recently?
Vinicius Jr has scored five goals in his last four appearances across all competitions, including his first away league goal in nearly five months.
Conclusion
Real Madrid’s unexpected defeat to Osasuna has injected fresh drama into the La Liga title race. Despite Vinicius Jr’s continued brilliance, Los Blancos were undone by a controversial penalty and a late winner from Raul Garcia. With Barcelona now within striking distance, every match becomes crucial for Real Madrid as they seek to retain their crown. For Osasuna, this victory will be remembered as a landmark result and a testament to their resilience against the league’s elite.
Sources
- Life Pulse Daily – “Vinicius ratings however Real Madrid crushed by means of Osasuna”
- Official La Liga match reports
- Real Madrid and Osasuna official club statements
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