Real Madrid were unable to bring January to a close with a win. A single goal by Camuñas on 62’ handed the Whites their second defeat on the season, but there is no time to lament as the team is one step away from its first "Copa del Rey" final in seven years. The Bernabeu welcomes Sevilla on Wednesday.
Osasuna took to the pitch in high gear and never gave Real Madrid any breathing room. With a tremendous physical effort, the "Reds" kept Real off-balance and uncomfortable. Pandiani nearly scored the first goal of the night but his header sailed over Casillas’ crossbar. Real’s best chance came on 34’, but Benzema’s shot was cleared by Ricardo. Osasuna took their foot off the gas as the first half wound down and the Whites managed to combine and create chances. Cristiano could have given Real the lead on 41’ but the keeper made another outstanding save.
Not much changed after the restart with Osasuna pouring on the pressure on the final third of the pitch. Spurred on by the home crowd, the hosts grew more confident and saw their effort rewarded on 62’. Aranda found Camuñas between two Madridista defenders and the Madrid native beat Casillas with a shot off the post. Real Madrid had over half an hour to respond and turn things around.
Mourinho made a triple change with Kaka, Xabi Alonso and Adebayor coming off the bench in search of much needed offense. Real Madrid controlled possession of the ball and created plenty of chances, but none found the back of the net. Benzema came close to equalizing on 73’ but his header was off target. Adebayor also had a try but Ricardo had little trouble trapping the header. Minutes ticked off, the equalizer was nowhere to be found and Osasuna held on for the 1-0 win.
It's dramatic that a simple catarrh of Xabi Alonso leave the team lost for an hour. The first pass of the transition and the long play that expands and stretches the field for Real Madrid is out of reach to Khedira and Lass. Half an hour was not enough to avoid catastrophe, but the team was another, larger and more dominant with him. Real need to photocopy him in the summer market.
Madrid takes refuge in arithmetic. But it is difficult a second edition of that glorious Capello comeback. In the privacy team does not find where the Barcelona will lost eight points. The body does not give background for this race and seems tha team is passing to the short sprints with the appearance of consolation: Champions and Spanish Cup.
Summary
Stadium: Reyno de Navarra
Attendance: 17,131
Goals: 1-0. Min 62, Camuñas.
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