Top side Real Madrid shocked by Osasuna as Atletico Madrid regain momentum
A brilliant late strike from Raul Garcia in the 90th minute handed ninth-placed Osasuna a 2-1 win over league leaders Real Madrid in La Liga on Saturday, dealing a significant setback to Madrid's championship aspirations.
Title holders Barcelona sit just two points adrift and have the opportunity to leapfrog Madrid on Sunday by defeating Levante at the Camp Nou.
In other action, fourth-placed Atletico Madrid bounced back with a thrilling 4-2 triumph against Espanyol.
Under Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid delivered a substandard showing in Pamplona, conceding first to a penalty from Ante Budimir before Vinicius Junior restored parity for the away side.
Thoughts of their upcoming Champions League play-off second leg versus Jose Mourinho's Benfica midweek appeared to distract them, as they struggled to build on their equaliser at El Sadar.
Vinicius, fresh off a stunning goal that secured a narrow first-leg advantage for Madrid despite facing reported racial abuse, believed he had salvaged a draw until Garcia rifled in the decisive blow.
"That was not our best performance... we must improve substantially," Arbeloa remarked to the press.
"We dominated at times but lacked pace in transition... come Wednesday, we face another crucial match, like a final for our campaign."
The Croatian striker Budimir troubled the Madrid defence repeatedly, drawing a fine save from keeper Thibaut Courtois and striking the woodwork.
Osasuna opened the scoring when Budimir surged into the box and tumbled following contact from Courtois.
Initially cautioned for simulation, a VAR check revealed the keeper had stepped on his foot, prompting the veteran to calmly convert the penalty past Courtois.
"I was certain it was a spot-kick and aimed to remain composed during the review," Budimir explained.
In pursuit of a leveller, Arbeloa introduced playmakers Trent Alexander-Arnold and Brahim Diaz, shifting momentum towards his squad.
Kylian Mbappe, the league's leading marksman, found the net for Osasuna but strayed marginally offside, though relief came swiftly.
Fede Valverde drove into the penalty area and delivered a pinpoint cross for Vinicius to slot home.
This marked the Brazilian's fifth strike in four outings across competitions, coinciding with his resurgence since Arbeloa took over from Xabi Alonso in January.
Missed opportunity
Mbappe ought to have edged Madrid ahead with ten minutes remaining, only for Javi Galan to make a superb block on his effort, a moment that proved costly for Los Blancos.
Raul Garcia elegantly evaded the lunging Raul Asencio before curling a shot beyond Courtois into the far corner, a goal initially flagged offside but confirmed valid by VAR.
This victory ended a 15-year La Liga drought for Osasuna against Madrid.
"The sensation is unbelievable... it's astonishing to consider. Our supporters merited such a triumph after all these years," Raul Garcia shared with DAZN.
Fifth-placed Real Betis drew 1-1 with Rayo Vallecano at home earlier on Saturday, keeping them six points behind Atletico, who demolished Espanyol 4-2.
Alexander Sorloth bagged a brace to help Atletico secure their first league win in four outings during a high-scoring affair at the Metropolitano.
Now 12 points off the pace set by Real Madrid, their title challenge looks finished, yet they solidified their top-four position.
Atletico welcome Club Brugge on Tuesday for the Champions League play-off return leg, after a 3-3 stalemate in the opening encounter in Belgium last Wednesday.
"Securing those points was vital to narrow the gap to the sides ahead," Simeone noted.
"We took charge, netted four times, created several more openings, and delivered a well-rounded display."
Espanyol struck first in the lively contest via Jofre after only six minutes, but Sorloth equalised for Atletico before the break.
Giuliano Simeone, the manager's son, added to the scoreline shortly after halftime to put the hosts ahead.
Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman tapped in the third from near range, with Sorloth heading home a fourth amid end-to-end action.
Edu Exposito unleashed a fierce long-range shot for Espanyol's second, but it offered little comfort to a team that dazzled early in the season yet now endures an eight-game winless run, still holding sixth place.