Reuters, MADRID, 2 OCT. Having been held to a 1-1 draw at home by Osasuna, who had a player sent off late in the game, in LaLiga on Sunday, Real Madrid surrendered their first points of the year as a result. Karim Benzema missed a late penalty.
The visitors tied the score after the break thanks to Kike Garcia’s spectacular header from the edge of the box that looped over the goalie. Just before halftime, Vinicius Jr gave the champions the lead with a long-range drive.
In the 79th minute, after Unai Garcia, a defender, fouled him inside the penalty area and following a VAR review, Garcia was given a straight red card, Benzema sent his penalty off the bar and over.
As Real Madrid pushed for the victory, the France striker had a goal disallowed for offside a minute later, and Vinicius had a fierce shot stopped by Sergio Herrera moments later.
However, Osasuna clung on to win a point, much to the chagrin of the home supporters.
At the top of the rankings, Real Madrid and rival Barcelona are tied on 19 points, with Barcelona leading on goal differential.
Osasuna’s point against Santiago Bernabeu moved them up to sixth place with 13 points.
Luka Modric, a midfielder for Croatia, returned from international duty nursing an injury, while Thibaut Courtois, a goalkeeper for Real Madrid, was a shocking late omission due to a back nerve issue, giving manager Carlo Ancelotti a big selection challenge.
Positively, Benzema returned to action after three weeks out due to a right knee injury.
The striker, who was active partnering Vinicius Jr. up front, came close to scoring early in the first half after receiving a cross from the Brazilian. He fired a beautiful first-time volley that just missed the left post.
Andriy Lunin of Ukraine, who took Courtois’ place in goal, performed admirably, stopping attempts from Jon Moncayola and Ez Abde in the opening period.
However, Vinicius gave Real Madrid the advantage with what appeared to be a fortuitous long-range shot.
The Brazilian player sent a cross just beyond the left corner of the box toward the back post, but it somehow managed to elude everyone and go all the way into the net because the goalkeeper took too long to react.
Although Benzema and Antonio Rudiger were in offside positions and moved to get the ball, the goal was upheld after a VAR review.
Five minutes after the halftime, Osasuna scored the equaliser, and they held on until Garcia fouled Benzema in the six-yard box.
After reviewing the VAR film, the referee, who had initially decided against awarding the penalty, changed his mind and gave the Osasuna defender a red card.
But Benzema’s penalty kick bounced off the crossbar and went over.
“Even though we missed a penalty, we still won. It’s common for setbacks to occur. the sport of football “Ancelotti told journalists.
“After making a very good move, Benzema was awarded a penalty shot, but he missed it. It’s an accident that occasionally occurs. Forward motion is required “.
Real Madrid are held by Osasuna after Benzema misses a late penalty.
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