Osasuna welcomed Real Madrid to the Estadio El Sadar on Saturday knowing that a point would be enough to move them off the bottom of the table.
A drab first period brought few chances for either side, with neither team registering a single attempt on target.
Madrid were reduced to 10 men in the second period when Kaka was given his marching orders. However, neither side could make the breakthrough as the points were shared.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our La Liga coverage continues as Osasuna welcome Real Madrid. The home side currently sit bottom of the table with 14 points, but three points this evening could move them as high as 16th. However, the last time they hosted Madrid – in March 2012 – they were thumped 5-1. They will need to improve on that performance to take something from tonight’s match.
Osasuna were also dumped out of the Copa del Rey this week with defeat to Valencia, but now more pressing issues are on the agenda. They have managed just one point from the last nine on offer and are entering a tough run of fixtures. That said, they have enjoyed recent success over Real Madrid with a 1-0 win in January 2011.
Madrid, meanwhile, ensured their progress to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey with victory over Celta Vigo last week. Their league form continues to stutter despite picking up three points last time out against Real Sociedad. They remain an incredible 16 points behind Barcelona and some five adrift of rivals Atletico Madrid.
TEAMS:
OSASUNA: Fernandez; Damia, Ruben, Lolo, Bertran; Oier, Arribas, Armenteros, Cejudo; Nino, Sola
REAL MADRID: Casillas; Arbeloa, Albiol, Varane, Coentrao; Alonso, Modric, Khedira; Callejon, Di Maria, Higuain
Here we go then. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just a quick note on the main team news. Osasuna have a virtually fully-fit squad to choose from and name arguably their strongest side. Meanwhile, Fabio Coentrao returns for a Madrid side that are without the suspended duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos. The home side get the action underway.
Just a quick word on Sergio Ramos. The Spaniard has picked up a five-match ban for his sending off against Celta Vigo and resulting behaviour. Ronaldo is suspended due to the accumulation of five yellow cards. Decent start to the match from Osasuna with Oier and Alejando Arribas enjoying plenty of the ball.
Half-chance for Madrid in the early stages as Xabi Alonso whips a dangerous free kick into the home side's penalty area, but Damia is on hand to clear the danger. The pressure continues as Angel di Maria wins a header on the edge of the box, but Andres Fernandez comes to collect. Neither side has really settled with possession thus far.
It's good football from Madrid as Gonzalo Higuain collects possession before turning and striking an effort towards goal, but Lolo manages to make a block. The resulting corner is taken by Modric, but the Croatian cannot find the head of a teammate. Just signs that the away side are starting to take control of the match.
A long pass from Arbeloa threatens to cause problems to the home side's goalkeeper with Higuain closing down the Spaniard, but Fernandez manages to head clear. However, the pressure is not eased for long as Madrid continue to pass and probe in the Osasuna half. Still no real chances for either side with eight minutes on the clock.
Nothing much from the home side in terms of attacking pressure thus far. Their threat has come from a couple of high balls into the Madrid penalty box, but thus far Casillas has been comfortable in dealing with the danger. You get the feeling that Sola and Nino just need to offer slightly more in the final third.
Not a full house inside the ground this evening, but the home supporters are making their voices known. It is understood that high ticket prices stopped this match from being a sell-out. Another positive for Madrid is the return of Marcelo on the bench. They need all their players available with the Champions League to come next month.
The first yellow card of the match is handed to Ruben as the former Madrid defender is adjudged to have struck Callejon with an elbow. Replays have suggested that it was a very harsh decision. The resulting free kick is taken by Alonso, but it is too long for everyone as it moves out for a goal kick.
Decent spell for the home side in the last couple of moments as they force two corners in quick succession, but the danger is twice headed clear by Albiol. Madrid attempt to break down the other end with Higuain, but the Argentine had just moved too soon and the offside flag was raised. Still no real chances for either side.
Not a great deal between the two sides in the opening 18 minutes of the match. It is easy to see why Osasuna are struggling due to their inability to find the final pass in the penalty area, but they have more than matched Madrid in possession thus far. Meanwhile, the rain is really coming down now. Not that the supporters mind as they continue to make their voices known.
Half-chance for the home side as Cejudo whips a wonderful free kick into the penalty area. It causes all sorts of problems in the Madrid defence, but eventually the danger is cleared. We have not seen much from Di Maria or Callejon thus far. I suspect that Mendilibar will be pleased with his side's performance.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of minutes with both sides exchanging possession in midfield. There have been a couple of late challenges for the referee to contend with, but he has allowed play to flow thus far. Callejon attempts to beat the offside trap for Madrid, but he moves too early and the flag is raised.
Half-chance for Madrid as Modric slips a low pass behind the Osasuna defence, but Higuain just could not collect and the danger is cleared by Damia. The home side attempt to break down the other end with Nino, but the Spaniard cannot find a teammate and Casillas has possession.
CHANCE! What is the goalkeeper doing? Terrible decision from Fernandez as he attempts to win possession from Alonso, but the Spaniard rounds the stopper before firing a low cross into the box. Luckily for Fernandez, Lolo is on the cover and the danger is cleared. That could have been very costly.
Half-chance down the other end as Cejudo strikes a powerful effort from the edge of the box, but it was always moving wide of the target. Madrid really do not look comfortable in defence at the moment. Meanwhile, it is painful how much they miss Ronaldo in the final third. He has arguably carried them in recent weeks.
Right, just about 30 minutes on the clock in this match. In truth, clear chances have been at a premium with Madrid having slightly the better of the opportunities. Nothing too much to get excited about thus far as Arribas fires another free kick straight into the arms of Casillas.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments as Modric collects possession for Madrid before firing a low cross towards Higuain, but Ruben clears the danger. Sola collects down the other end, but he cannot sort out his feet in time and is quickly surrounded by two defenders.
Decent possession from Osasuna with Arribas and Cejudo enjoying time and space in the middle of midfield. However, the home side continue to struggle to find that elusive final pass. In terms of Madrid, this is about as poor as I have seen them going forward this season. Jose Mourinho does not look too happy as he scribbles down notes in his book.
Just a reminder that following the completion of this match we have live coverage of Valencia and Sevilla. Two of the biggest under-achievers in Spain this season. Still not a great deal to report in this match with neither side able to find their attacking players in dangerous positions. Slightly drab affair truth be told.
Coentrao injects some pace into the Madrid attack as the Portuguese collects possession before driving down the left, but his low cross into the box is cleared by Ruben. The pressure remains as the away side force two corners in quick succession, but neither comes close to opening the scoring.
What a boast it would be to Osasuna's season if they could take something from this match. However, you just get the feeling that Madrid will be better in the second period. Let's face it, they could not get much worse. Another attack comes to nothing as Alonso's through pass is collected by Fernandez.
Half-chance for the home side as Cejudo whips a dangerous corner into the penalty area, but Nino is penalised for a foul on Arbeloa. Very soft decision. The home supporters continue to do their best to create a good atmosphere, but events on the pitch continue to flatter to deceive. Little over three minutes of the half remaining.
Such a laboured tempo to the match at the moment with neither team attacking with any real pace and purpose. The tempo livens for one moment as Higuain turns Lolo on the edge of the box, but the offside flag is raised. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play just the one minutes of added time at the end of the half. Half-chance late on as Coentrao strikes from outside the box, but he misses the target.
HALF-TIME: Osasuna 0-0 Real Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. In truth, it has not been a classic with chances very much at a premium. Not that Osasuna will mind as they attempt to take something from the match.
As it stands, Madrid would remain in third spot in the table. However, a draw this evening would leave them an incredible 15 points behind Barcelona having played a game more. They would also trail Atletico Madrid by four points. Osasuna, meanwhile, would move off the bottom of the table.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Madrid have just shaded the possession with 51%, but Osasuna have had four attempts to Madrid's three. That said, neither team has registered a single shot on target thus far which tells you everything that you need to know.
In terms of the second period, Osasuna could look to Joseba Llorente to provide a threat from the bench. Meanwhile, Madrid have a host of options to choose from with Kaka, Karim Benzema and Mesut Ozil all ready to participate. Right, we are just a couple of moments away from the second half.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead. No changes for either side at the interval. A reminder to stay with us following the completion of this match as we bring you live coverage from Valencia against Sevilla. Right, back to events here. Madrid get the second period underway.
Strong start to the second period from the home side as Sola collects possession before striking a powerful effort at goal, but Casillas manages to palm the danger clear. The resulting corner is taken by Cejudo, but Albiol rises highest to clear the danger.
Osasuna have managed just 10 goals in their last 16 matches, which is a clear indication of their problems this season. You just get the feeling that they need to score the first goal this evening if they are to take something from the match. They have certainly started the brighter as they pass and probe in the Madrid half.
Not a great deal to report in terms of clear chances at the moment with both teams exchanging possession in the midfield area. A half-chance arrives for the home side as Oier strikes an effort from the edge of the box, but it was always moving high of the crossbar. Nothing from Madrid in the second period thus far.
First half-chance of the second half for Madrid as Alonso floats a dangerous ball into the penalty area, but Fernandez comes out to punch clear. Osasuna attempt to break with Nino, but the Spaniard cannot find Sola in the final third with Albiol clearing the danger. Little under 10 minutes of the second period played and the score remains 0-0.
Half-chance down for Osasuna down the other end as Armenteros fires a wonderful cross into the penalty area, but there were no takers with the ball drifting out of play for a Madrid throw. Higuain drives into the Osasuna box moments later, but his touch sums up his evening thus far as Fernandez collects the danger.
Still nothing to get excited about in terms of clear chances for either team as we approach the hour mark. Madrid really need to raise their tempo if they want to take three points from this match. A reminder that Osasuna started the match bottom of a table, but a point would move them into 19th. They have more than matched Madrid thus far.
Not too surprising as Madrid make a double change with Karim Benzema and Kaka replacing Di Maria and Higuain. The latter two have struggled this evening that's for certain. Little over 30 minutes of football for Madrid to open the scoring. It is getting to the stage where a single goal should be enough for all the points.
I hate to bring it back to Barcelona, but you have to wonder what the Catalan outfit would have done to this Osasuna team this evening. Based on their form this season, it would have been purely a one-sided affair. That is simply not the case in this match as Osasuna continue to match their more illustrious opponents.
Slightly better from Madrid as Benzema picks up possession before attempting to slide a pass towards Kaka, but Fernandez was always favourite to clear the danger. It is difficult to see Osasuna scoring in this match, but they will defend for their lives in order to secure a point. Slightly untidy period to the match at the moment with a host of fouls by both sides.
Osasuna are doing everything they can to slow this match down at the moment and it is certainly working. Madrid just cannot mount any sort of attacking pressure as the home side continue to break up possession on each occasion. We are still waiting for the first real chance of the match with 66 minutes on the clock.
Decent football from the home side as they force two corners in quick succession, but Albiol just beats Oier to the header before the second is gathered by Casillas. Madrid attempt to break down the other end with Callejon, but he loses possession before Khedira is forced to put behind his own goal.
Madrid make their final change of the match as Modric is replaced by Mesut Ozil. I would be surprised if we did not see Llorente for the home side before the night is over. Decent spell for Osasuna as they continue to float high balls into the penalty area. I think this roof would be lifted off if they took the lead in this match.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments with Osasuna clearing Madrid pressure before Sola breaks and finds Nino, but once more the final pass is too long and Casillas collects possession. The home supporters continue to raise the roof in the stadium and their team is responding as Osasuna force yet another corner.
Osasuna are simply first to every ball at the moment as they continue to win the midfield battle. A half-chance does arrive for Madrid, however, as Coentrao drives down the left, but his cross towards Benzema is headed clear by Lolo. Meanwhile, the resulting corner is also thumped clear.
CHANCE! Oh my word! Wonderful opportunity for the home side as Nino finds Sola in the box, but his effort is just blocked by Alonso at the vital moment. His effort appeared to be heading for the bottom corner. What an incredible chance. Little under 15 minutes of football remaining.
RED CARD: KAKA: Oh my good grief. Kaka has been dismissed from the field for a second yellow card. The Brazilian has only been on the pitch for about 15 minutes. However, he has managed to pick up two bookings. What a chance this is for the home side.
Half-chance for the home side as Sola floats a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but Callejon is on hand to clear at the far post. The pressure is simply all one-way at the moment as Osasuna continue launch crosses into the box. What an ending to this match.
Madrid have the ball in the back of the net as Callejon collects a pass from Coentrao before firing his effort into the bottom corner, but the linesman had his flag raised. Replays have shown that the Spaniard may have just about been leaning offside. The score remains 0-0, but you get the feeling that a goal is coming.
Half-chance for the home side as Damia strikes a wonderful effort from outside the box, but it just moved high of the crossbar. What an effort from the defender. That would have been goal of the season thus far. The home side are the team in the ascendancy at the moment as they continue to force bodies forward in each attack.
Madrid exert some pressure of their own as Ozil fires a dangerous corner into the box, but Varane can only head over the crossbar. Another corner arrives from the champions moments later, but once more Fernandez comes to take the pressure off his defenders. Little over five minutes of football to play and the score remains 0-0.
Osasuna make another change as Llorente is introduced in place of Cejudo. The striker has little under three minutes to make an impact in this match. What a sensational point this would be for the home side. But what a terrible one it would be for Madrid. That said, there is still plenty of time for late drama in this match.
Big penalty shout for the home side as Sola takes a tumble in the penalty area under the challenge of Albiol, but the referee shakes his head. The pressure remains as Bertran strikes a powerful effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the target. Will we have a late goal here? It would surely be the winner.
Gaps continue to appear for the home side as Bertran is found on the right, but once more his cross is poor. It simply has to be better than that at this level. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of football at the end of the match.
Slight handbags between both sets of players here as a yellow card is awarded to Lolo. It is a shame. It has not been that type of match. Madrid frustration has simply boiled over here. Little over one minute of football to play and still Osasuna hang on.
That just about sums up Madrid's night of football as Alonso fires a high ball into the penalty area only to see the offside flag raised. There is not long remaining in this match and it appears that the points will indeed be shared.
FULL-TIME: Osasuna 0-0 Real Madrid
So there we have it. Incredible turn of events this evening as Osasuna hold Real Madrid to a 0-0 draw. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and stay with us for action between Valencia and Sevilla. Until then!
