Real Madrid

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, Los Rojillos 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.

Lineups

Osasuna
Ricardo
Damiá
Sergio
Miguel Flaño
Nelson
Puñal
Soriano
Vadócz 46'
Coro
Calleja 94'
Camuñas	Goal 63'
Aranda
Pandiani
Lolo 83'

Real Madrid
Casillas
Sergio Ramos
Ricardo Carvalho
Arbeloa
Albiol
Adebayor 66'
Khedira
Özil
Lassana Diarra
Xabi Alonso 66'
Cristiano Ronaldo
Benzema
Di María
Kaká 66'