Vinicius Jr.'s efforts undone by shoddy defending as Real Madrid falls to Osasuna

Real Madrid’s title ambitions suffered a damaging setback as Osasuna secured a dramatic 2-1 victory, overturning Vinicius Jr.’s equalizer with a late winner that exposed costly defensive lapses.

Budimir punishes Real Madrid before the break

In a contest that began cautiously, Osasuna created the first real danger. Thibaut Courtois was forced into action, pushing away a close-range header following a well-worked set-piece. Moments later, Ante Budimir struck the post with Courtois beaten, signaling growing intent from the home side.

Their pressure paid off before halftime. Budimir capitalized on defensive uncertainty, chasing a loose ball and drawing contact as he rounded Courtois. After a VAR review confirmed sufficient contact, Budimir calmly converted from the penalty spot to give Osasuna a deserved lead.

Madrid’s back line, usually reliable in tight encounters, appeared hesitant — a vulnerability that would resurface later.

Vinicius sparks hope after the interval

Real Madrid emerged from the break with little urgency, but the tempo shifted around the hour mark. Vinicius Jr. began to assert himself, injecting pace and creativity into the attack.

The breakthrough came courtesy of Federico Valverde’s incisive run into the final third. The Uruguayan cut the ball back intelligently, and Vinicius made no mistake from inside the penalty area, finishing clinically to restore parity.

For a moment, it seemed the equalizer would ignite a familiar Madrid resurgence.

Defensive lapses prove costly

Instead of consolidating momentum, Madrid faltered at the back. Osasuna remained disciplined and waited for another opportunity to strike.

That decisive moment arrived in stoppage time. Raul Garcia, the experienced striker, cut inside a sliding Raul Asencio, evaded Trent Alexander-Arnold, and unleashed a powerful finish beyond a helpless Courtois. The 92nd-minute strike stunned the visitors and sealed a memorable victory for the Pamplona side.

Title race implications

The defeat could carry significant weight in the broader title race. With Barcelona set to play on Sunday, the Catalan side now has the opportunity to move top of the table with a win.

While Vinicius Jr. delivered when it mattered most in attack, Real Madrid’s defensive frailties ultimately overshadowed his contribution. Against determined opposition, such lapses are punished — and this loss may resonate long after the final whistle.