Two matches against sides in the bottom four, and two slip ups. Real Madrid were desparate to host Barcelona in the second clasico of the season within a victory of overtaking them at the top. Now they find themselves seven points behind Peps dream team, and with Mourinhos side needing Barca to lose a couple of matches between now and the end of the season, their title hopes appear to have been crushed in Pamplona.
Osasuna Vs Real Madrid: Camuñas Goal Puts Real Madrid To The Sword
With Cristiano Ronaldo off-colour, Xabi Alonso on the bench suffering from a fever (not an injury as first thought) and an Osasuna crowd baying for blood, this was never going to a be a pretty match. Indeed the match was characterised by niggly fouls, plenty of yellow cards and mini-battles all over the park.
For Osasuna, Aranda played a blinder upfront, never giving the Madrid defence a moments rest, holding the ball up bravely and even poking through the pass which saw Camuñas score the winning goal. In defence, Sergio was immense and vital in Osasunas plan to blunt Cristiano Ronaldo, while keeper Ricardo repelled everything that came his way.
Just after Camuñas goal, Jose Mourinho went gung-ho on us, sending on Kaká, Adebayor and Xabi Alonso all at once in a sensational triple switch and while Real Madrid went on to dominate possession, chances were ar a premium. Adebayor showed how powerful he is in the air but he never got close to equalising for Madrid and with Benzema quiet after a strong opening to the match. It just shows how dependant Madrid are on Cristianos goals.
So seven points behind Barcelona. Mission impossible. Now we move onto another promising battle, between two sides that are looking to claim a place in next seasons Champions League, Villarreal and the surprise package of the season so far, Espanyol.
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