Real Madrid travelled to Granada on Saturday knowing that victory would have moved them to within one point of second-placed Atletico Madrid.
It was Granada that took the lead after 23 minutes, however, when Cristiano Ronaldo could only turn into his own net from a corner.
Madrid had chances in the second period, but they could not make the breakthrough as the home side held on for a famous win.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our final La Liga live commentary of the day comes from the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes as Granada welcome Real Madrid. Granada have won two of their last five matches in the league, but early struggles has meant that they sit just one spot outside of the bottom three. Madrid, meanwhile, have overcome early struggles to impress since the turn of the year.
Let’s take a closer look at how Granada have fared in the league this season. They spent much of the early campaign inside the relegation zone, but have managed to move into 17th in recent weeks. Their home form has been slightly patchy this season, however, with two wins, four draws and four defeats from 10 matches.
Madrid, meanwhile, will feel confident of closing to within one point of Atletico Madrid with victory this evening. Their away form has been far from impressive, however, with four defeats from 11 matches on the road. That is in contrast to their home form, where they have won eight of their 10 matches. They enter the match off the back of a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final against Barcelona on Wednesday.
TEAMS:
GRANADA: Tono; Siqueira, Nyom, Mainz, Lopez; Nolito, Rico, Recio, Torje; Ighalo, Aranda
Real Madrid: Lopez; Arbeloa, Ramos, Varane, Coentrao; Alonso, Modric, Khedira; Ronaldo, Higuain, Di Maria
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. Just a quick note on the main team news. The home side recall Aranada to their attack this evening, while Recio is also handed a start. Madrid, meanwhile, are without Karim Benzema and Mesut Ozil, with Luka Modric and Gonzalo Higuain both starting. The home side get the action underway.
Strong start from the away side as Luka Modric picks up possession on the right before driving a low cross into the box, but Higuain cannot make contact with Nyom on hand to clear. Granada attempt to launch a counter down the other end with Torje, but the Romanian cannot evade the challenge of the returning Sergio Ramos.
Strong start from the away side as Luka Modric picks up possession on the right before driving a low cross into the box, but Higuain cannot make contact with Nyom on hand to clear. Granada attempt to launch a counter down the other end with Torje, but the Romanian cannot evade the challenge of the returning Sergio Ramos.
The home side create a shooting opportunity as Mikel Rico fires a high free kick into the penalty area, it falls for Aranda, but the Spaniard can only fire his effort wide of the target. Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but a good crowd nonetheless. It is important that the home supporters stay with their side this evening.
Again it's good work from Aranda as the Spanish striker collects possession before finding Riko on the edge of the box, but the subsequent pass towards Torje finds the Romanian in an offside position. Madrid attempt to counter down the other end with Khedira, but the German is closed out and is forced to back to Ramos. Lively opening six minutes to proceedings.
Half-chance for Madrid as Di Maria whips a dangerous corner into the penalty area, Ronaldo rises highest, but he can only head wide of the target. Another corner follows moments later, but Tono comes a long way to collect. Plenty of suggestions that Granada are prepared to attack with numbers as Nyom advances down the Madrid left moments later.
Again Madrid come close as Modric fires a dangerous cross into the penalty area towards Khedira, the German attempts to turn in one movement, but cannot keep hold of possession with Mainz on hand to clear the danger. Not too many chances in the opening 10 minutes of this match, but both sides have offered indications.
Slightly scrappy period of the match in the last few moments with neither side taking too much care in possession of the ball. Ronaldo combines with Coentrao before the defender drives into the penalty area, but Nyom is across to usher the ball out of play. Meanwhile, it appears that it will be an interesting physical battle between Ronaldo and Nyom this evening.
It is all one-way traffic at the moment as Modric finds the run of Higuain down the left, the Argentine chips a cross into the box, but Mainz is across to clear the danger. The resulting corner causes problems in the box, but the referee comes to Tono's aid as the goalkeeper is challenged by Ronaldo. Not too much in that for me.
It is a horror moment from Alonso as the Spanish midfielder plays a pass towards Lopez, but it is far too powerful, Lopez just manages to clear the danger, however, under pressure from Ighalo. Not Alonso's finest hour that is for certain. Meanwhile, Mourinho has come out from his seat to scan the pitch.
Again it's good work from the home side as Recio collects possession on the right before slipping a low pass behind the Madrid defence, but Lopez is quick out of his goal and manages to clear under pressure from Ighalo. Not much of an atmosphere at the moment, it is almost like a pre-season match.
Just about 20 minutes of the half played and the score remains 0-0. Neither side has really had a clear chance to open the scoring thus far, although both have offered indications that they are prepared to attack with pace and numbers. A win for Madrid this evening would move them to within one point of second-placed Atletico Madrid.
Again the home side threaten as Aranda combines with Torje before firing a header towards goal, but it never really had enough power to beat Lopez. Not too much to get excited about for Madrid at the moment as they continue to give away possession in the final third. However, you get the feeling that should they score first, then they will go onto win comfortably.
CHANCE! Glorious chance for the home side to take the lead as Aranda fires a low cross into the penalty area, Nolito appears to be favourite to fire into an empty net, but Arbeloa comes across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment.
GOAL! Granada 1-0 Real Madrid (Ronaldo OG)
Oh my word! Ronaldo has scored, but not quite how you would have imagined. Granada lead inside 23 minutes as Ronaldo turns into his own net from a Torje corner. The Portuguese has scored more goals than the entire Granada team this season, but he has helped them in this match.
Slight sense of frustration for Madrid as Ramos bundles into the back of Recio. The resulting free kick is taken by the Spaniard, but Di Maria is on hand to clear the danger. The home side are really playing some bright football at the moment as they continue to attack with pace and numbers.
CHANCE! Madrid come close to levelling as Modric finds Higuain in the box, but the Argentine can only head wide of the target. Again the away side come forward with Ronaldo moments later, but Nyom is across to clear. Little under 30 minutes of football played and the home side lead 1-0.
Another half-chance comes to Madrid as Ronaldo is felled by Inigo Lopez outside the penalty area. The resulting free kick is taken by Ronaldo, but he can only fire his effort wide of the post. Not one of his better efforts. Mourinho does not look a happy man on the bench. But when does he?!
Madrid continue to force the issue as Ronaldo combines with Modric outside the penalty area before attempting to find Higuain, but the danger is cleared. Another chance arrives moments later as Ramos collects possession outside the box, but he tries the spectacular pass and it moves behind for a goal kick.
Granada continue to settle back into a shape as they attempt to take their lead into the interval. However, you do get the feeling that there are more goals in this for the home side if they show some willingness on the counter attack. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
Slightly risky play from the home side as they continue to give away free kicks outside the penalty area. Ronaldo steps up to take once more, but he smashes it straight into the wall. It falls to Alonso, but the Spaniard can only fire his effort over the crossbar. Poor from the Spanish champions.
Again it's good work from Madrid as Di Maria combines with Coentrao down the left, but the latter's cross into the penalty area is headed clear by Mainz. Torje attempts to move clear for Granada, but the Romanian cannot keep hold of possession and the away side take control once more.
Granada launch an attack of their own as Nyom advances down the left before winning a corner for his side. The resulting set piece is taken by Torje, but his delivery is poor as it fails to beat the first man. Another goal at this stage would be huge in the context of this match. Little over five minutes of the half remaining.
Madrid continue to force the issue in the latter stages of the half with Alonso, Modric and Khedira all joining the attack, but Granada have defended well in the opening period. Riko attempts to break for the home side moments later, but the experienced midfielder is stopped in his tracks by the ever-impressive Varane.
Not too much to report in the latter stages of the half with Madrid dominating possession in the Granada half, but without really threatening to open their tally. Ighalo drives down the other end moments later, but he takes one touch too many in the box before firing wide of the target.
Plenty of options on the Madrid bench should Mourinho wish to change tactics in the second period. A half-chance arrives as Khedira strikes an effort from close range, but it moves wide of the post. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of stoppage time.
HALF-TIME: Granada 1-0 Real Madrid
So there we have it. Ronaldo has scored, not too much surprise about that, but it has come down the wrong end as Granada lead 1-0 at the interval. In truth, there has not really been the Madrid onslaught as expected, with the home side comfortable for long periods.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Madrid have dominated the possession with 68%, but both sides have managed just two attempts, with neither of the away side's on target. However, you would expect Mourinho to rally his team at the interval.
Let's take a look at both benches for this evening. The home side have a host of options on the sidelines with Diego Buonanotte, Angulo and Juanma Ortiz all capable of influencing proceedings. Meanwhile, Madrid have the likes of Jose Callejon, Karim Benzema and Michael Essien in reserve.
As it stands Granada would move into 16th position in the table, three points clear of the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Madrid would remain in third position. But with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid to play tomorrow, anything less than three points would see them lose further ground on the top two.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. Mourinho does not waste time in making a change as he introduces Karim Benzema and Jose Callejon at the interval in place of Higuain and Khedira. Madrid get the half underway.
Strong start to the half from Madrid as Benzema combines with Ronaldo before the latter whips a dangerous cross into the box, but Tono is on hand to collect. Granada have not beaten Real Madrid in 40 years, but there is still a long way to go in this match. You sense that they will need to score again to have a chance of taking something from the match.
The home side want a penalty as Ighalo is challenged by Varane in the penalty area, but the Frenchman gets a lot on the ball to clear the danger. The 19-year-old has been stunning once more this evening. I am certain that he will become one of the best in the world in the next few seasons. But his team have work to do in this match.
Callejon attempts to go alone for Madrid as he picks up possession outside the box before darting past two challenges, but Mainz is across to clear at the vital moment. Ronaldo thinks he is through on goal moments later, but the linesman raises his flag and play is restarted with a free kick.
Real frustration for Ronaldo as the referee fails to award the away side a corner despite replays suggesting that the final touch come from Mainz. Madrid continue to dominate possession in the early stages of this half, but it cannot be said that either has created too many chances. Just about 35 minutes of this match remaining.
Another opportunity for the home side on the counter as Ighalo drives into the penalty area, but Di Maria comes back to clear the danger. The Nigerian striker wants a penalty, but the referee shakes his head. Meanwhile, Alonso has his name taken by the official moments later.
It's brilliant work from Ronaldo as the Portuguese evades two challenges before firing a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but it just would not fall for Benzema with Mainz on hand to clear with a powerful header. Once more Granada attempt to break on the counter, but the final pass from Recio is just too long for Aranda.
Mourinho continues to parade the touchline with just about 30 minutes of this match remaining. Where is the Madrid comeback? It was expected that they would come out firing in the second period, but that has not been the case. It is hardly ideal preparation for the upcoming Champions League clash against Manchester United. But there is still plenty of time left in this match.
Half-chance for Ronaldo as the attacker strikes an effort from outside the box, but Tono gets down well to clear the danger. The resulting corner is taken by Callejon, but the impressive Mainz rises once more. The pressure gauge is just starting to rise as the away side continue to pass and probe.
Half-chance down the other end as Ighalo meets a cross from Nolito, but he can only turn his effort wide of the post. Another opportunity arrives as Riko evades Arbeloa before finding Recio outside the box, but the Spaniard's shot is straight at Lopez. Still no movement on the Granada bench with just about 25 minutes of football remaining.
Madrid continue to craft and probe outside the penalty area, but they just cannot find that final pass into the likes of Benzema and Ronaldo. They are missing Ozil in this match, it is as clear as day. It would be disastrous if they lost this game to a team battling relegation. But you have to expect them to respond in the latter stages.
Madrid make their third and final change as Marcelo replaces Coentrao. It is all or nothing for Madrid. There is a really strange atmosphere in the stadium, despite Granada leading, there is no real noise from the home supporters. What an incredible result it would be if they can hang on.
Slight controversy here as Modric handles the ball moments after being booked, but the referee shakes his head despite calls for a red card from the home players. Madrid advance down the other end moments later with Ronaldo, but once more it ends in frustration as the Portuguese cannot evade the impressive Nyom.
Little under 20 minutes of football remaining and still Granada lead following that own-goal from Ronaldo in the first period. Once more the Portuguese forward attempts to go alone down the other end, but he can only fire wide of the target, much to the frustration of his teammates. Time is certainly not on Madrid's side at the moment.
Madrid continue to pass and probe as Benzema collects possession outside the box before drilling a low cross towards Ronaldo, but once more Mainz comes out to clear the danger as Mourinho turns away in frustration. The pressure continues, but a poor ball form Alonso hands possession straight to Tono.
Madrid create another chance as Di Maria finds Callejon in the box, but the linesman raises his flag. Meanwhile, the home side make their first change of the match as Diego Buonanotte replaces Aranda. What an incredible result this would be for the home side as they go in search of survival.
Madrid's second period is just about summed up as Di Maria picks up possession outside the box before striking an effort high and wide of the target. Meanwhile, the home supporters have come alive in the last few moments as they wave their flags. They think it is all over. But you still get the sense that there are goals in this match.
The Madrid pressure continues as Benzema fires a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but Nyom comes across to clear. The resulting corner is taken by Modric, but the delivery is poor, with Mainz on hand to clear the danger. Little over 10 minutes remaining and still the home side lead.
It's poor from Marcelo as the Madrid defender chops down Ighalo in a wide position. The resulting free kick is taken by Rico, but Varane rises highest to clear the danger. Just about eight minutes of normal time remaining and Madrid have made all three of their changes. As it stands they are heading for their fifth league defeat of the season.
Still the Madrid pressure continues as they pass and probe outside the penalty area, but it has just been one of those nights as they struggle to find their final pass once more. Granada are set up in two banks of four as they absorb the danger before attempting to break with Ighalo.
CHANCE! Stunning chance for the away side as Benzema is presented with an open goal inside the penalty area, but somehow he fires wide of the target. What a stunning miss at this stage of the match. Incredible scenes here. Wow!
It is now or never for the away side with little under two minutes of football remaining. Another long pass from Alonso threatens to cause problems, but Tono comes out to clear with a header. Meanwhile, the home side make their second change of the match as Juanma Ortiz replaces Torje.
The Madrid pressure continues as they throw high balls into the penalty area, but the impressive Mainz clears for what seems like the 100th time. Can Mourinho's side secure a late point in this match? The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of stoppage time.
Madrid continue to give away possession as they fire a host of crosses into the penalty area. It just has not been good enough from the Spanish champions this evening. Meanwhile, the home side make their third and final change as Iriney replaces Rico. Little under 30 seconds of football remaining. This stadium is bouncing here.
FULL-TIME: Granada 1-0 Real Madrid
Incredible scenes at the final whistle as Granada record a 1-0 win over current Spanish champions Real Madrid. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us for more La Liga football tomorrow. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
