Oriol Riera scored twice as Osasuna held Real Madrid to a 2-2 draw in their La Liga contest in Pamplona on Saturday afternoon.
Osasuna took the lead after 16 minutes courtesy of a header from 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 also reduced to 10 men late on when Francisco Silva was sent off, before Pepe equalised from the resulting free kick to secure a share of the spoils.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two La Liga rivals.
Match statistics:
Osasuna:
Shots: 10
On target: 7
Possession: 37%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 8
Real Madrid:
Shots: 11
On target: 4
Possession: 63%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 13
Was the result fair?
Madrid will argue that they deserved a share of the spoils this afternoon, but it would not have been an unfair reflection of proceedings had Osasuna held on for all the points. Madrid were arguably the better team in the first period despite trailing at the interval, but they never really got going in the second 45 minutes. It did appear that Osasuna would hold on fairly comfortably in the latter stages, but the Silva red card handed the away side the initiative and ultimately earned them a point.
Osasuna's performance
Osasuna held Barcelona to a goalless draw on their own patch earlier in the season, but in truth, they rode their luck in that particular fixture. That was certainly not the case this afternoon as they more than matched the former Spanish champions. It is debatable whether they were simply brilliant or Madrid were very poor, but the home side must be credited for their work-rate and desire. If they continue to perform at this level, they will have no relegation fears come the end of the season.
Real Madrid's performance
Los Blancos entered the match in a fine run of form, but it was a tired performance this afternoon. Cristiano Ronaldo had his quietest game of the season, while Gareth Bale was hooked in the second period after struggling to influence proceedings in Pamplona. Defensive issues had been somewhat eradicated in recent weeks, but both Ramos and Pepe had poor afternoons. However, overall, coach Carlo Ancelotti will be fairly content with a point after watching his team struggle to create opportunities throughout the 90 minutes.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Oriol Riera: The Osasuna striker struck a brace for his side this afternoon, which ultimately secured a point against the former Spanish champions. Both headers were executed impressively, but it was his work-rate and movement that made it such an impressive display from the Spaniard. He has emerged into the club's talisman this season.
Biggest gaffe
Having already been booked, Madrid centre-back Ramos decided to throw an arm into the face of Roberto Torres in the first period. Regardless of whether any serious contact was made, the Spaniard gave the referee a decision to make and a red card was issued. Ultimately, it might have cost his side the chance to collect all three points.
Referee performance
Madrid should have been given a penalty in the first period when Osasuna defender Alejandro Arribas - who had already been booked - felled Luka Modric in the box, but referee Clos Gomez was not interested. It was a tough afternoon for the Spanish official as he handed out a number of cards in the first period, but he rightly dismissed Ramos for striking Torres. There will also be little complaint from the home side about the decision to dismiss Silva in the latter stages.
What next?
Osasuna: Osasuna's focus switches to the Copa del Rey on Tuesday as they travel to Malaga in the second leg of their fourth-round clash, with the score level at 3-3.
Real Madrid: The capital outfit are also in Copa del Rey action on Wednesday as they welcome Olimpic de Xativa in the second leg of their fourth-round clash. The score is level at 0-0 from the first leg last week.
Matt Law
