Vinicius Jr Strikes Again but Real Madrid Slip in Title Race After Shock Osasuna Defeat

Pamplona: Vinicius Jr capped an emotionally charged week with his fifth goal in four games, but his 73rd-minute strike proved insufficient as Real Madrid fell 2-1 to Osasuna, handing Barcelona the upper hand in the La Liga title race. According to Oman News Agency, Real arrived in Pamplona knowing victory would open a five-point lead at the summit. Instead, Alvaro Arbeloa suffered his first league defeat in six matches at the helm, courtesy of a first-half penalty from Ante Budimir and a late winner from substitute Raul Garcia. The Brazil forward, who recently alleged he was subjected to racial abuse during Real's Champions League triumph over Benfica, produced a quiet first half in which his side were fortunate to trail by just a single goal. Thibaut Courtois produced a stunning one-handed save to deny Budimir from close range before the Croatian striker rattled the post with a header. Referee Alejandro Quintero Gonzalez initially booked Budimir for simulation late in the first half, but replays showed Co urtois had stood on the striker's foot as he rounded the keeper. After consulting the VAR, the official pointed to the spot, and Budimir sent Courtois the wrong way. The introduction of Trent Alexander-Arnold just past the hour mark shifted momentum in Madrid's favour. The England international immediately carved open the Osasuna defence with a raking cross-field pass to Vinicius, whose goalbound effort was blocked. Vinicius-jeered by the home crowd with every touch-made amends minutes later, slotting home from Federico Valverde's low cross into the box to register his first away league goal in nearly five months. Kylian Mbappe thought he had completed the turnaround when he fired into the top corner from close range, but the offside flag cut short his celebrations. Deep into stoppage time, Osasuna substitute Garcia appeared to suffer the same fate when he danced past a challenge and finished brilliantly past Courtois from a tight angle. However, the video assistant referee intervened to confirm he was ons ide, sparking wild celebrations in Pamplona. The victory-Osasuna's first league win over Real since 2011-propels the Pamplona side to ninth in the standings. Madrid remain two points clear of Barcelona but have now played one game more. Hansi Flick's side can leapfrog the reigning champions with a home victory against Levante tonight.