In one of the most gripping encounters of the season, Osasuna hosted Real Madrid at El Sadar on February 15, 2025. The match, which started with high hopes for both teams, ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw after a series of contentious events. Real Madrid, fresh off their victory in the midweek Copa del Rey clash, looked to extend their lead at the top of La Liga, but Osasuna had other plans.
First Half: Mbappé’s Early Lead and Bellingham’s Red Card
The match kicked off with high intensity, as both teams were eager to set the tone early. Real Madrid dominated possession in the early minutes, and in the 15th minute, they took the lead through Kylian Mbappé. The French forward, who had been in scintillating form all season, made a superb finish after a well-placed cross from midfielder Federico Valverde. The goal was Mbappé’s 11th of the season in La Liga, solidifying his importance to the team.
However, things took a dramatic turn just before the halftime whistle. Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, who had been influential in the midfield, was shown a red card in the 39th minute. The decision came after a confrontation with the referee, with Bellingham disputing a foul call. The referee, after consulting his assistants, opted to send off the English midfielder, leaving Real Madrid to play the second half with just 10 men.
Second Half: Osasuna Capitalizes on the Numerical Advantage
The second half saw a shift in momentum, with Osasuna now having the advantage of an extra player on the pitch. The hosts, fully aware of the opportunity before them, pushed forward with greater intensity. It was only a matter of time before they found the equalizer, and it came in the 58th minute. Ante Budimir, the Croatian striker, made no mistake from the penalty spot after Eduardo Camavinga fouled Vinícius Júnior inside the box. The penalty was a highly debated decision, but the referee had no choice but to point to the spot.
The equalizing goal sent the Osasuna fans into a frenzy, and the atmosphere at El Sadar became electric. Real Madrid, despite being a man down, fought valiantly to regain their advantage, but Osasuna’s defense was resolute. The visitors had a few opportunities to retake the lead, notably through Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé, but Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera made crucial saves to keep the score level.
Real Madrid’s Attempts to Push Forward
Despite the disadvantage, Real Madrid showed their class, pushing forward with determination. Manager Carlo Ancelotti made a series of tactical adjustments, bringing on fresh legs in an attempt to break Osasuna’s defensive block. Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić were key in orchestrating attacks from deep, but every attempt was thwarted by a combination of strong defending and key saves from Herrera.
In the 75th minute, Real Madrid came close to regaining the lead when Vinícius Júnior danced past two defenders and fired a shot toward goal, only to see it blocked by Osasuna’s defense at the last moment. The match was becoming a test of resilience, with Osasuna holding firm and Real Madrid unable to break through.
The Final Whistle: A Disheartening Draw for Real Madrid
As the match entered its final stages, both teams pushed for a winner, but the clock was against them. Osasuna had the numerical advantage, but Real Madrid’s resolve never wavered. With each passing minute, the possibility of a late winner grew, but neither team could capitalize on their chances. The final whistle blew, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw, a result that left both teams with mixed emotions.
For Osasuna, the draw was a hard-fought result, given the circumstances of the match. The penalty, though controversial, was well taken, and their defense held up against Madrid’s attacking onslaught. Real Madrid, on the other hand, will feel aggrieved by the red card and the inability to seal the game despite their dominant play for large parts of the match.
Impact on La Liga Standings
This draw is a significant result in the context of the La Liga title race. Real Madrid’s inability to secure all three points means they remain top of the table, but Atlético Madrid, who won their match earlier in the day, are now only two points behind with a game in hand. Barcelona, who also have a game in hand, are three points adrift, making this season’s title race one of the closest in recent memory.
For Osasuna, the result is a testament to their resilience. They remain firmly mid-table, with the draw giving them a respectable point against one of the top teams in Europe.
Player Performances: Who Stood Out?
Kylian Mbappé’s performance was once again stellar, as his early goal was the highlight of the match for Real Madrid. Despite the red card and the draw, the Frenchman continues to show why he is one of the top players in the world.
Jude Bellingham’s red card was the turning point of the match, and his absence undoubtedly affected Madrid’s ability to control the game. His disciplinary lapse will likely be a talking point in the coming days, but his contributions throughout the season still cannot be overlooked.
For Osasuna, goalkeeper Sergio Herrera deserves special mention. His key saves throughout the match kept his team in the game, and his performance under pressure was vital in securing a point against a star-studded Real Madrid side. Ante Budimir, with his calm penalty conversion, also earned praise for his contributions to the team’s fightback.
Conclusion: A Mixed Result for Both Teams
The 1-1 draw between Osasuna and Real Madrid was a match full of drama, controversy, and intense football. The red card to Jude Bellingham altered the flow of the game and ultimately prevented Real Madrid from securing all three points. Osasuna, on the other hand, will take pride in their ability to capitalize on their advantage and earn a valuable point against one of Europe’s top clubs.
As the La Liga season continues, both teams will have to reflect on this result. For Real Madrid, it’s a missed opportunity in their pursuit of the title, while Osasuna can be proud of their resilience.