The second leg of the Copa del Rey last-16 clash between Osasuna and Real Madrid took place in Pamplona on Wednesday.
Los Blancos entered the tie as the favourites having claimed a 2-0 win when the two sides met in the first leg at the Bernabeu last week.
Madrid took the lead on the night through Cristiano Ronaldo after 21 minutes, before Angel di Maria made it 2-0 just before the hour mark.
The away side ended with nine men, however, with Alvaro Morata forced off through injury and Fabio Coentrao receiving a red card on his return to the side.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our Copa del Rey last-16 coverage continues this evening as Osasuna welcome Real Madrid to Pamplona for the second leg. Madrid will enter the match as the favourites to advance to the quarter-finals following their 2-0 win in the first leg last week. However, Osasuna have shown that they can match the big teams in this stadium this season.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Madrid have won three of the last five matches, with the further two fixtures ending in draws. The last time the pair met in this stadium was just before Christmas, when the points were shared in a 2-2 draw. Barcelona have also failed to take all three points from the El Sadar this season.
As it stands, Osasuna sit in 13th position in La Liga on 21 points. They struggled in the latter stages of 2013, but back-to-back wins have moved them five points clear of the drop zone. Madrid, meanwhile, moved three points off the top of the table following a 1-0 win over Espanyol at the weekend. They reached the final of the Copa del Rey last season, but were beaten by Atletico Madrid.
TEAMS:
OSASUNA: Fernandez; Oier, Flano, Loties, Oriol; Cejudo, Punal, Loe; De las Cuevas, Acuna, Torres
MADRID: Casillas; Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrao; Alonso, Illarramendi; Jese, Isco, Di Maria; Ronaldo
So there we have it. No Oriol Riera in the Osasuna XI this evening, with Acuna starting as the lone forward. There are also spots for Roberto Torres and Joan Oriol. Madrid, meanwhile, leave Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale on the bench, but Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel di Maria start. Right, the home side get the first period underway on this mild evening in Pamplona. Let's hope for goals - Osasuna need at least two.
Madrid have won just one of their last six visits to this stadium, but any draw or a one-goal defeat would be enough to advance into the next round. It is interesting to see Fabio Coentrao in the Madrid XI this evening. The left-back has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United, but returns this evening following a long-term hamstring injury, which he suffered while on international duty with Portugal in November.
Bright start from Osasuna in the opening four minutes with Roberto Torres and De las Cuevas both delivering dangerous crosses into the Madrid box from each wing. Torres wants a penalty as he strikes an effort at Arbeloa, but replays have shown that it hit the back of the Madrid defender. Just a reminder that Osasuna need to score at least twice this evening.
The ball has spent more time in the air than on the ground in the last couple of moments with the pitch not in the best condition this evening. Not too much for the Madrid supporters to get excited about inside six minutes, with Osasuna enjoying the majority of possession. Ronaldo embarks on a mazy run moments later, but he cannot find the run of Isco down the left.
You just get the feeling that Osasuna need to score first this evening if they are to stand a chance of making it into the quarter-finals. One goal for Madrid would leave the home side needing four. In truth, that isn't going to happen. The referee has been heavily involved in the last couple of moments following a few late challenges.
Oier enters the referee's book for fouling Ronaldo, who had just driven into a small gap in the Osasuna half. The home side had a half-chance moments before when Cejudo found some space on the edge of the box, but his effort was blocked by Pepe. The intensity has just started to rise in the last couple of moments, but it remains goalless on the night.
Powerful midfield work from Loe, who has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs, as the Osasuna man nips at the heels of Isco before releasing a pass towards Acuna, but Ramos is across to clear. Madrid break down the other end with Ronaldo, but he is crowded out by Punal. Still no real chances for either side with 13 minutes on the clock.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession too easily in the final third. The onus is on Osasuna as the home side, but they are wary of the counter-attacking threat from Madrid. There is no real atmosphere inside a packed El Sadar as things stand.
Half-chance for the away side as Arbeloa breaks down the right before finding Jese inside the box, but the Spaniard cannot evade the challenge of Loties at the final moment. The pressure continues from Madrid as they pass and probe outside the box, but Osasuna are making it difficult with numbers in defence.
Carlo Ancelotti is clearly not happy with his side at the moment as he continues to gesture from the sidelines. It has been a slow start from Madrid, but the onus is not on them to force the issue. As it stands, they are heading into the next round. Ronaldo remains the main outlet in attack, but has been left isolated thus far.
GOAL! Osasuna 0-1 Madrid (Ronaldo)
Oh my word. It is an absolute horror show from Osasuna goalkeeper Andres Fernandez. Ronaldo stands over a free kick before striking his effort straight at the stopper, but he allows it to move through his fingertips. It silences the stadium.
Ronaldo has scored some special free kicks in his time, but that is not one of them. Osasuna now need to score four times without reply to advance into the next round. Do their supporters believe that can happen? I am not too sure. It would take a minor miracle.
Not too much to report in terms of Osasuna pressure in the last couple of moments with the away side dominating possession of the ball. Acuna attempts to force the issue for the home side after combining with Torres, but he cannot evade Ramos, who is across to cover at the vital moment.
Sergio Ramos thinks he has a clear sight on goal after advancing unmarked into the Osasuna box, but the flag saves the home side, who are really struggling to come to terms with the intensity. Madrid are playing without pressure at the moment as they continue to pass and probe in the final third. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining in Pamplona. Osasuna are a threat on the counter, but too often have lacked the final pass.
Half-chance for Ronaldo as he drives past two defenders before attempting to slide one under Fernandez, but the Osasuna stopper makes a smart save with his legs. The home side are down the other end with Torres moments later, but Arbeloa chests his cross into the arms of Casillas, who has been a spectator thus far.
Half-chance for Madrid once more as Ronaldo slides a terrific pass towards Di Maria, but Loties is across to clear at the vital moment. The resulting corner is delivered towards Ramos, but Fernandez is out to claim. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining in this second leg. Osasuna need to score at least four times to advance into the next round.
Opportunity for Osasuna to threaten from a free kick as Alonso fells De las Cuevas on the edge of the box. The resulting set piece is taken by Cejudo, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. There is almost no atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment, which is not helping the home side.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of committing a number of late challenges. Arbeloa becomes the latest name to enter the book for a poor challenge on Torres, but once more the resulting free kick comes to nothing as Casillas collects.
Half-chance for Alonso as the Madrid midfielder meets a loose ball on the edge of the box, but he can only fire his effort high and wide of the crossbar. Los Blancos are in total control of the possession at the moment, with Osasuna really struggling to influence the play in the final third. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
Another half-chance for the home side as Di Maria combines with Ronaldo on the edge of the box before attempting to curl one towards the top corner, but his effort is over the crossbar. Osasuna break down the other end with Oier, but his cross towards Acuna is cleared by Pepe, before Illarramendi is felled outside his own box.
POST! Much better from the home side as Cejudo turns two defenders on the edge of the box before curling one towards the bottom corner, but it smashes against the foot of the post with Casillas beaten. One goal would at least hand the supporters something to cheer.
The home side continue their positive end to the half as a low De las Cuevas effort brings a fine save from Casillas. Not too much from the away side as the first period draws to a close in Pamplona. Although Coentrao does pick up a booking for dissent.
HALF-TIME: Osasuna 0-1 Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Madrid leading on the night courtesy of a Ronaldo free kick that slipped through the fingertips of Fernandez. Madrid lead 3-0 on aggregate and in truth, Osasuna now need a minor miracle.
STATISTICS: Madrid have dominated the possession with 58%, while they have had six attempts - three of which have been on target - to Osasuna's five. The home side had their moments in the latter stages, but they really could not afford to concede the first goal if they were to advance into the quarter-finals this evening. Their task is almost impossible at this stage of proceedings.
BENCH WATCH: Osasuna certainly have options on their bench in the shape of Garcia, Riera and Gato Silva, but will Javi Gracia now have his mind on the league? Madrid, meanwhile, have the likes of Bale, Benzema, Morata and Casemiro on an attacking bench at El Sadar.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that Osasuna need to score at least four times in the second half with Madrid currently 3-0 ahead on aggregate. Let's hope Osasuna continue to force the issue in the final third. Right, the away side get the second 45 minutes underway in Pamplona.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise, but I suspect both managers will look to alter proceedings as the second period advances. Osasuna must now turn their attention to their La Liga clash with Granada at the weekend, while Madrid travel to basement outfit Real Betis. It would be a surprise if we didn't see Bale for at least a section of the second half.
It's bright work from Arbeloa as the Madrid right-back drives past two defenders before delivering a cross towards Ronaldo, but Loties manages to head to his own goalkeeper. Not too much of an atmosphere in the early stages of the half, which is not much of a surprise. Loe attempts to thread a pass towards Acuna moments later, but it runs out for a throw.
Half-chance for Loe as the Osasuna midfielder finds some space on the edge of the box before attempting to test Casillas, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Illarramendi looks for Jese down the other end moments later, but Oier is across to clear at the vital moment.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Madrid to score their second as Ronaldo leads a two-on-one situation with Isco all alone inside the Osasuna box, but the Portuguese's cross is just too long. It is comfortable for Los Blancos at the moment as they continue to dominate possession of the ball.
GOAL! Osasuna 0-2 Madrid (Di Maria)
Madrid have their second of the night as Jese shows Loties a clean pair of heels before squaring for Di Maria, who places his effort into the far corner. Game, set and match.
It is important that Osasuna do not take a real hiding in the latter stages this evening. This competition is now over for them, but that could have a damaging effect on their confidence. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining at El Sadar. Madrid lead 4-0 on aggregate.
De las Cuevas tries his luck for the home side as he finds some space on the edge of the box before curling one towards the top corner, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. We are getting to the stage in the match where both managers will be switching their focus to their league games at the weekend and therefore changes are expected in the final 30 minutes.
Osasuna do indeed look to their bench for the first time this evening as Cejudo is replaced by Jose Garcia, who has just turned 17. Another wonderful experience for him this evening. Madrid also make a change with Bale replacing Ronaldo.
First involvement for Bale comes down the right as the Welshman drives past Oier before delivering, but his cross moves behind for a goal kick. The home side break down the other end with Acuna moments later, but the striker cannot run away from Ramos. Little under 25 minutes of this contest remaining. Madrid make their second change as Casemiro replaces Alonso.
Osasuna make their second change of the match with Oriol departing for Satrustegui. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Madrid continue to dominate possession in the final third. It would be a surprise if we had seen the last of the goals this evening.
CHANCE! Opportunity for Madrid to make it 3-0 as Jese finds Isco with a fine cross inside the box, but Oier is across to make a diving challenge. That proves to be the last involvement for Jese, who is replaced by Alvaro Morata for the final 20 minutes or so.
Madrid continue to break with pace and power as Morata drives down the right, but he hits the deck for the second time in quick succession, which is a worry for Madrid. It appears that he might have taken a knock on the head from a corner, but he does return to his feet. Los Blancos have made all three of their permitted changes this evening.
Oh wow. It is a really nasty one for Morata with replays showing his damaged eye, which has already swollen up to a considerable size. He might be forced off minutes after entering. Little over 15 minutes of this Copa del Rey clash remaining. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments.
It is almost like a pre-season fixture at the moment with neither side putting too much into the latter stages, which is not much of a surprise. Osasuna have been really disappointing this evening, but they have been playing catch-up from the start. Possession football for Los Blancos with 77 minutes on the clock.
Half-chance for Osasuna as Punal turns on the edge of the box before attempting to test Casillas, but it is comfortable for the Spanish goalkeeper, who immediately releases Morata down the other end. A goal for Osasuna would at least give the home supporters something to cheer.
A mistake from Di Maria hands 17-year-old Garcia a shooting chance outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. As it stands, Madrid are heading for their fourth clean sheet in a row. There is no question that their defence has tightened in recent weeks.
Half-chance on the counter for Madrid as Isco leads a counter attack before finding Di Maria down the left. The winger has Bale and Morata in the middle, but his cross is deflected behind by Oier. The home side make their third and final change moments later and it is their leading scorer Riera that replaces De las Cuevas.
Half-chance for Casemiro as the Brazilian meets a corner from Di Maria, but he can only plant his header wide of the post. The home supporters have started to make their way toward the exits as we enter the final five minutes. Both sides will now switch their attention to league matters.
Another opportunity on the counter for Madrid as Di Maria drives down the left before rolling a low cross towards Bale, but Loties is on hand to clear at the vital moment. It does appear that a third could be on the cards for Los Blancos in the latter stages.
RED CARD! Coentrao (Real Madrid)
Real Madrid will finish the match with 10 men as Coentrao is dismissed for a late challenge on Riera. Not the best return to the starting XI for the Portuguese international.
Morata is finally forced off the field for Madrid after failing to recover from that knock to his face. He has been struggling to see ever since clashing with the shoulder of Flano. It is a surprise that Los Blancos did not withdraw him when the actual incident occurred.
Madrid are down to nine men at the moment with Coentrao sent off and Morata forced off. Torres has an effort from outside the box for Osasuna, but Casillas is on hand to collect. We are into the second of three additional minutes.
CHANCE! Opportunity for Osasuna to score a consolation late on as Torres strikes one towards the bottom corner, but Casillas is on hand to make a fine save.
FULL-TIME: Osasuna 0-2 Real Madrid
So there we have it. Madrid book their spot in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey with a 2-0 win over Osasuna. They will face Espanyol in the next round. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us tomorrow for more Copa del Rey football. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
