Real Madrid travelled to Osasuna on Saturday looking to move level on points with Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table.
Osasuna took the lead after 16 minutes courtesy of a header from Oriol Riera, before the striker scored his second five minutes before the interval.
Madrid were then reduced to 10 men when Sergio Ramos was handed his marching orders, but Isco cut the deficit to 2-1 in the latter stages of the first period.
The home side were reduced to 10 men late on when Francisco Silva was sent from the field, before Pepe equalised from the resulting free kick.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Our La Liga coverage for the afternoon begins in Pamplona as Osasuna welcome Real Madrid. The home side have struggled in La Liga thus far and could end up in the bottom three at the end of the weekend should results go against them. Madrid, however, currently sit third in the table, just three points off leaders Barcelona.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Madrid have won three of the last five, with Osasuna also winning once and the other clash ending in a draw. As mentioned, the corresponding match last season ended in a goalless draw, but Real Madrid did win 4-2 when the two sides met at the Bernabeu in June.
TEAMS:
OSASUNA: Fernandez; Bertran, Arribas, Loties, Damia; Cejudo, Silva; Lolo, Armenteros, Torres; Riera
REAL MADRID: Lopez; Carvajal, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; Alonso, Modric; Ronaldo, Isco, Bale; Benzema
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Osasuna XI this afternoon with Oriol Riera leading their line once more. Roberto Torres also starts, but Manu Ownu and Jose Garcia both drop to the bench. Madrid, meanwhile, recall Dani Carvajal and Sergio Ramos, but Angel di Maria remains on the bench, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Isco, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema all selected.
Osasuna do have previous against Madrid in this stadium having collected all three points with a 1-0 win in January 2011. However, they were beaten 5-1 at the El Sadar and 7-1 at the Bernabeu in the 2011-12 campaign. There are not too many people backing the home side to cause an upset in this particular match.
The home side will enter the match full of confidence, however, following their showing against Malaga in the Copa del Rey last weekend. The Pamplona outfit were 3-0 down in the second half of the fourth-round clash, but rallied to secure a 3-3 draw in the latter stages. That said, they have won just one of their last four games in the league.
Madrid, meanwhile, were also in Copa del Rey action last week. The less said about their match the better, however, as they could only draw 0-0 with lowly Olimpic de Xativa. They enter the match off the back of three points, however, having beaten Copenhagen 2-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.
As mentioned, Carlo Ancelotti’s side currently sit third in the La Liga table on 37 points, just three points behind leaders Barcelona, while Atletico Madrid sit second on 40. The capital outfit have not lost in any competition since going down 2-1 to Barcelona at the end of October and are starting to find their form following an inconsistent start to the season.
Osasuna’s record on their own patch has been fairly patchy this season with two wins, one draw and four defeats. Meanwhile, they have scored just six times in the league at home. Madrid, however, have been strong on the road with five wins, one draw and one defeat, scoring 17 times in the process and conceding just nine.
PREDICTION: After a shaky start, Real Madrid have found some serious form in the last month or so. Osasuna have personnel on the pitch that could hurt the away side, but I am not convinced they will see enough of the ball. I expect it to be a comfortable afternoon for Madrid. My score prediction is 3-0.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. You just get the feeling that Osasuna need to score first if they are to cause an upset here. The home side get the first period underway in Pamplona.
It must be said that there is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium this afternoon. Osasuna held Barcelona to a goalless draw earlier in the season and will he hopeful of causing an upset here. Ronaldo has an early run for Madrid, but the Portuguese is challenged by Lolo, who immediately feeds Torres down the left.
As expected, Real Madrid have taken control of the possession inside the opening four minutes, with Isco, Alonso and Modric all involved in deep positions. The first attempt of the match comes from Ronaldo, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Not too much from Osasuna as an attacking threat in the early stages.
Half-chance for Ronaldo once more as the Portuguese is found by Modric inside the box, but Andres Fernandez is out to clear at the vital moment. The pressure remains as the away side pass and probe outside the box, but the move breaks down as Lolo challenges Benzema. Osasuna just need to keep it tight in the early stages of this league fixture.
A slip from Lolo inside his own box presents another half-chance to Ronaldo, but the Madrid forward cannot make proper contact at the vital moment. The home side look long towards Reira moments later, but Lopez is out to clear. Cejudo wins a free kick moments later, however, when Marcelo fells the Spaniard on the right.
Nervy moment inside the Madrid box as a deep free kick from Torres causes Lopez problems, but the danger is eventually cleared by Ramos. Madrid are on the counter moments later with Bale, but the Welshman cannot find Ronaldo. End-to-end football with 10 minutes on the clock in Pamplona. The early signs are that we will have goals this afternoon.
CHANCE! Golden chance for Ronaldo as Isco finds the Portuguese inside the Osasuna box, but he somehow slides his effort wide of the post. You would have put your house on him scoring from that position. The chances are starting to arrive as both sides continue to force the issue at the El Sadar.
Arribas collects a yellow for the home side as he fells Carvajal outside the box. The resulting free kick is delivered straight into the middle of the box, but Fernandez is on hand to clear. Two more crosses come into the area in quick succession, but the home side manage to clear. One-way traffic with 14 minutes on the clock as Madrid continue to pass and probe outside the box.
Madrid are almost caught out by Torres as the Spaniard makes a run beyond Ramos, but the flag is raised at the vital moment. Even so, the Osasuna attacker had chipped his effort over the crossbar. The home side continue to force the issue with Riera, but the striker's cross is straight into the arms of Lopez.
GOAL! Osasuna 1-0 Real Madrid (Riera)
The home side take the lead inside 16 minutes as Riera thumps a powerful header into the top corner following a deep cross from Bertran. Poor defending from Madrid, but it was a textbook leap from the Spanish forward.
PENALTY SHOUT! Big penalty shout for Madrid as Modric is chopped down inside the box by Arribas, but the referee is not interested. The Osasuna full-back is already on a yellow and might have walked had the decision been given. For me, it was a clear penalty.
Hardly time to take a breath at the moment as Madrid continue to force the issue in the Osasuna box. Carvajal delivers a wonderful cross towards Ronaldo, but Lolo is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Osasuna are down the other end with Torres moments later, with Pepe gaining a yellow for elbowing the Spaniard during a high challenge. End-to-end action in Pamplona.
CHANCE! Wonderful effort from Ronaldo as the Portuguese collects a pass from Isco before lifting his effort over the head of Fernandez, but it just drops on the top of the net. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if we indeed have one - could decide the outcome of the match.
Bale's first real involvement comes down the right as he cuts inside two defenders before lifting a cross towards Benzema, but Fernandez is on hand to deal with the danger. It must be said that there is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium with 26 minutes on the clock. Where has this first period gone? It has flown past at the El Sadar.
Pepe just needs to be a bit careful here as the Portuguese is involved in another altercation having already been booked. Moments later, Madrid gain a free kick outside the box, but Ronaldo's effort is straight into the wall. More frustration for Los Blancos as Osasuna continue to hold their ground. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining in this La Liga contest.
Another half-chance for Madrid as Ronaldo combines with Benzema on the edge of the box before attempting to curl one towards the top corner, but his effort was always rising high and wide of the crossbar. Madrid have been restricted to strikes from distance thus far, which will please the Osasuna boss.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Ramos is the latest Madrid player to enter the book for a late challenge on Torres. The resulting free kick causes problems inside the Madrid box, but Lopez manages to save at his near post. Can Osasuna score a second before the interval?
Good spell for Osasuna in the last couple of minutes as they continue to force the issue with a series of long balls into the Madrid box. Both Madrid centre-backs - Pepe and Ramos - are now on bookings and will therefore need to be slightly careful. Madrid force a corner down the other end through Marcelo, but the resulting set piece comes to nothing.
The fifth booking of the match falls to Damia as the Osasuna defender fells Bale on the right. Madrid enjoy a period of possession moments later, but the danger is cleared when Fernandez punches a Carvajal cross out of the area. Still 1-0 Osasuna with little over five minutes of the first period to play.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Madrid struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. Osasuna remain full of energy, but have not really created a clear opportunity since taking the lead. Carlo Ancelotti does not look a happy man at the moment as he parades down the touchline with a stern look.
GOAL! Osasuna 2-0 Real Madrid (Riera)
Osasuna score their second five minutes before the interval after Riera heads home from close range. Lopez had made a sensational save to deny Arribas, but Riera was on hand to score from the rebound. Wow. Who would have predicted this?!
Madrid have it all to do this afternoon, but you would not put it past them. You just get the feeling that Osasuna need to keep a clean sheet in the latter stages of the first period if they are to hold on. A goal for Madrid at this stage would hand them huge confidence ahead of the second 45 minutes. The home supporters are, understandably, in fine voice.
CHANCE! Ronaldo comes close to cutting the deficit as he drives to the edge of the Osasuna box before curling one towards the top corner, but it takes a deflection before dropping over the crossbar. Moments later, Armenteros fires one wide of the post down the other end.
RED CARD! RAMOS - REAL MADRID
Real Madrid are reduced to 10 men in the latter stages of the first period as Ramos elbows Torres off the ball. Terrible from the Spanish defender. It just isn't happening for the away side at the moment. Can they recover?
GOAL! Osasuna 2-1 Real Madrid (Isco)
Oh my word! What an end to this half! Madrid open their tally for the afternoon as Ronaldo finds Isco, who drills a low effort into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. What an incredible first half of football in Pamplona.
HALF-TIME: Osasuna 2-1 Real Madrid
Wow. What a half of football in Pamplona. Osasuna lead 10-man Real Madrid 2-1 at the interval. The home side led 2-0 after 39 minutes before losing Ramos, but Isco struck just before the interval to hand the capital outfit a lifeline. It is so delicately poised ahead of the second period in Pamplona.
STATISTICS: Real Madrid have dominated the possession with 71%, while they have had six attempts to Osasuna's five. The referee has been slightly card happy, meanwhile, with five yellows and that red for Ramos. Although it was deserved with the Spanish centre-back striking Torres off the ball.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Loe, Jose Garcia and Manuel Omwu. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have the likes of Jese Rodriguez, Alvaro Morata and Angel di Maria in reserve. A defensive change is expected to be made, however, after losing Ramos in the latter stages of the half.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that three points for Real Madrid would move them level on points with Barcelona, who play Villarreal this evening, at the top of the table. Right, the away side get the second 45 minutes underway in Pamplona.
No changes in personnel for either side at the interval, with Alonso dropping into a defensive position for Madrid. The away side force the issue at the start of the half as Modric finds Ronaldo outside the box, but the move breaks down when Bale's cross is headed clear by Damia.
Riera battles with Pepe down the right moments later, but the referee allows the play to continue despite the Osasuna forward falling to the ground. The last thing Madrid need is to be reduced to nine men at this stage of proceedings. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could decide the outcome. Madrid equalise and it is game on in Pamplona.
Half-chance for the home side as Riera finds some space in the Madrid box before attempting to slide a pass towards Cejudo, but Alonso is across to clear at the vital moment. The resulting corner is delivered towards Silva, but Lopez collects the danger. Still 2-1 Osasuna with 53 minutes on the clock at the El Sadar.
Osasuna have another effort on goal as Armenteros strikes a free kick from just outside the box, but it is comfortable for Lopez. Pepe, meanwhile, continues to become involved in scuffles, which will surely worry Carlo Ancelotti on the sidelines. Not too much from the away side as an attacking threat in the last few minutes.
Madrid make their first change of the match as Angel di Maria replaces Bale, who has struggled to influence proceedings this afternoon. Di Maria has been widely linked with a move away from Madrid in the January window, but is need to play his part here. Not too much to report in Pamplona with 57 minutes on the clock.
Madrid continue to pass and probe outside the Osasuna box, but they just cannot find a way through. Ronaldo has a half-chance moments later as he collects a pass from Isco, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Just a reminder that three points for Madrid would move them level on points at the top of the table with Barcelona.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments with Osasuna attempting to cause Madrid problems on the break. In truth, the home side will expect Madrid to create chances in the remaining stages of this match, but a third goal would give them breathing space. Madrid have been incredibly poor this afternoon there is no question about that.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to score their third as Torres finds some space down the right before drilling a low cross towards Riera, but Alonso is on hand to clear at the vital moment. The home side are threatening on the counter as Madrid continue to lose possession in the final third.
Madrid make their second change of the match as Nacho replaces Modric. That is not too much of a surprise with Madrid struggling for numbers in defence. Good spell for Osasuna in the last couple of moments as they continue to force the issue with a series of deep crosses into the Madrid box, but the danger is repelled.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Silva strikes one from outside the box, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Madrid are down the other end with Ronaldo moments later, but it just has not happened for the Portuguese this afternoon. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining.
Another Madrid attack breaks down in the final third as Ronaldo's pass fails to find Benzema, with Carlo Ancelotti looking away in disgust. The capital outfit have not been beaten since the end of October, but they are 20 minutes from suffering their third league defeat of the season. Silva delivers a dangerous cross towards Riera moments later, but Pepe clears.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Osasuna to score their third as Torres finds himself unmarked inside the Madrid box, but his effort is straight at Lopez from close range. That might have wrapped up all three points for the home side.
No sign of pressure from Madrid in the last couple of moments as Osasuna continue to force the issue in the final third. The home side have been sensational this afternoon, but Madrid have been very poor. That said, you just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of Los Blancos in this fixture. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining in Pamplona.
Half-chance for Madrid this time as Di Maria strikes one from the edge of the box, but Fernandez is on hand to collect with confidence. The Spanish stopper releases Torres down the other end, but Alonso is across to make the challenge. Sensational noise inside the stadium as Osasuna move nearer to an incredible result. Can they hold on?
Osasuna make their first change of the match as Oier replaces Torres, who has been sensational this afternoon and is given a rousing applause as he leaves the pitch. Still no sign of extended pressure from Madrid as Osasuna continue to clear the danger. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining in this La Liga contest. Surely the pressure will rise from the away side.
Half-chance for Benzema this time as the Madrid forward finds himself in the Osasuna box, but his touch is poor and it moves out of play for a goal kick. You can just sense the nervousness inside the stadium, but Madrid are not peppering the Osasuna goal.
RED CARD! SILVA - OSASUNA
GOAL! Osasuna 2-2 Real Madrid (Pepe)
Incredible. Osasuna are reduced to 10 men as Silva dives into a late challenge with Ronaldo. From the resulting free kick, Pepe heads home from close range. What a couple of minutes in this La Liga contest.
Osasuna make their second change of the match as Loe replaces Armenteros. The home side have been comfortable for long spells of the second period, but they are now holding on. You just get the feeling that there will be late drama in Pamplona. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining.
Madrid make their third and final change as Jese replaces Isco. It is win or bust for the away side at this stage of proceedings. They are not interested in the draw as they continue to flood forward. Osasuna, meanwhile, are dropping deeper and deeper. You can almost sense a fifth goal, which would be a winner.
Osasuna just cannot keep the ball at the moment as Madrid continue to pass and probe outside the box. Benzema has a half-chance as he is played through by Ronaldo, but the Frenchman stands on the ball. Osasuna are glad of the respite as Cejudo takes his time over the free kick. The home side make their third change moments later as Omwu replaces Riera.
Half-chance for Ronaldo as the Portuguese is found by Benzema outside the box, but he curls his effort high and wide of the crossbar. Di Maria has a similar effort moments later, but Fernandez is on hand to make the save. Silent inside the stadium as the tension continues to grow.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes and we are indeed into the third of those. It is one-way traffic as the away side continue to deliver crosses into the Osasuna box, but Lolo has been excellent in defence. Little over one minute of stoppage time remaining. Can Osasuna hold on?
FULL-TIME: Osasuna 2-2 Real Madrid
So there we have it. An incredible contest is brought to an end with Osasuna holding Real Madrid to a 2-2 draw. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us again from 6.30pm for Barcelona against Villarreal. Until then!
