Real Madrid vs Osasuna: A Battle Until the Final Breath
On a special football night at a roaring stadium, Real Madrid faced Osasuna in a match filled with intensity and suspense until the very last minute. From the opening whistle, it was clear that Madrid entered the game with a mindset of total dominance, holding possession for over 70% of the match, while Osasuna relied mainly on deep defending and the occasional counterattack. Yet, despite the huge statistical gap, the final moments proved that football isn’t just about numbers—it’s a game of moments that can change the entire outcome.
First Half: Clear White Domination
From the very first minute, Real Madrid imposed its trademark style of orchestrated attacks through long spells of possession and short passing combinations. Kylian Mbappé’s movement up front, supported by VinÃcius Júnior and Arda Güler, unsettled Osasuna’s backline, which struggled to close the spaces. Despite several long-range efforts, the first half ended goalless, with Madrid enjoying 78% possession.
Osasuna posed little threat, managing only a few harmless attempts. Madrid’s defense remained solid, with Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal excelling in intercepting plays and sparking counters.
Second Half: A Penalty That Changed the Match
Madrid resumed the second half with relentless pressure. In the 50th minute, Juan Cruz committed a clear foul on Mbappé inside the box, leading to a penalty. Mbappé calmly converted in the 51st, breaking the deadlock and sending the fans into euphoria.
After the opener, Madrid maintained around 72% possession, seeking a second goal. However, luck and rushed finishing denied them, with attempts from Gonzalo GarcÃa and Mastantuno brilliantly stopped by goalkeeper Sergio Herrera.
Rising Tension: Mistakes and Cards
As the match neared its end, nerves started to flare. Abel Bretones, in particular, committed several reckless fouls. The turning point came in the 90+4 minute when he dangerously elbowed Gonzalo GarcÃa. After a VAR review, the referee showed him a straight red card, leaving Osasuna down to ten men.
Meanwhile, Mbappé received a yellow card in the 90th minute for a tactical foul on VÃctor Muñoz to halt a counterattack—proof that even the French star was caught in the match’s growing tension.
Stoppage Time Drama: Until 90+8
The referee initially added five minutes, but stoppages extended play until the 98th minute. Madrid won repeated throw-ins deep in Osasuna’s half, highlighting their relentless pressure.
Despite being a man down, Osasuna defended with determination. Gonzalo GarcÃa went down injured in the 90+6, causing further delays. The referee confirmed Bretones’ dismissal after another VAR check.
Madrid fans remained on edge: despite their side’s overwhelming 70% possession versus 30%, a single mistake could have cost them. Every defensive clearance heightened the drama. Finally, the referee’s whistle at 90+8 sealed Madrid’s narrow but valuable 1-0 win.
Tactical Analysis: Why Madrid Won
Possession Control: Madrid dominated possession beyond 70% for most of the game, dictating tempo and suffocating Osasuna’s build-up.
Attacking Depth: With Mbappé, VinÃcius, and Güler, Madrid threatened both centrally and on the wings. Substitutes like Dani Ceballos and GarcÃa ensured the attacking rhythm stayed high.
Defensive Solidity: Courtois had a quiet night thanks to Militão and Carvajal’s defensive awareness, which neutralized Osasuna’s attempts before they became dangerous.
Discipline: While Madrid picked up some cards, they avoided costly fouls. Osasuna, however, collapsed into rash tackles, leading to Bretones’ red card at a decisive moment.
What About Osasuna?
Despite the loss, Osasuna showed resilience. Their game plan revolved around long balls and quick transitions, hoping to capitalize on Madrid’s mistakes. Players like ValentÃn Roser and Ante Budimir displayed fighting spirit, but Bretones’ sending-off destroyed their slim hopes.
The stats underline the gulf: in the 40th minute, Madrid had 82% possession compared to Osasuna’s 18%. Even so, Osasuna managed to keep the scoreline tight until the very end, reflecting their defensive grit under pressure.
Conclusion
Madrid’s 1-0 win came courtesy of Mbappé’s 51st-minute penalty, yet the result didn’t fully reflect their overwhelming dominance. The stats painted a picture of control, but Madrid lacked the clinical finishing to kill the game early.
Osasuna, meanwhile, walked away with pride intact, proving they could withstand Europe’s giants for long stretches. The final minutes turned into a football drama featuring injuries, VAR interventions, and roaring tension.
For Madrid, the victory strengthens their league pursuit but raises questions about efficiency in front of goal. For Osasuna, discipline and composure will be key lessons moving forward, as one reckless moment cost them dearly.