Real Madrid win their 31st La Liga title in Pamplona.
Osasuna 1-2 Real Madrid
May 04, 2008 -It wasn't easy. It took 35 long matchdays and more than 3,000 minutes of playing time. Twenty-five victories and 73 goals later, Madridismo can celebrate a league which it dominated from start to finish. Little did the final result of Villarreal's match matter. The Whites landed in Pamplona with the lone objective of winning. A well-balanced team, a closely-knit squad, and an exemplary fan base couldn't have provided a different ending. Robben's goal restored hope and Higuaín provoked absolute bedlam. The victory and three points were all that were needed for Madridismo to celebrate in Cibeles and for Real Madrid to conquer back-to-back titles for the first time in 18 years. Congratulations Champions.
Few changes to Sunday’s starting eleven, including the same defensive line which held its ground in the Camp Nou and saw Robinho concede his position on the left flank to Robben. Ruud van Nistelrooy would have to wait and watch from the bench. Osasuna didn’t present many changes either. Loyal to his game plan, Cuco Ziganda handed the reins to former Madridista Javier Portillo, while Javier Flaño took position along the right wing which Azpilicueta abandoned for a spot in the midfield
On the right, a team seeking a league title; on the left, one which hoped to claw out of the relegation zone. Both sides came to play and both immediately sought the ball hoping to draw first blood. Real Madrid had the first golden opportunity when Robben crossed into Saviola, but the Osasuna defense swarmed to the ball (1’). Azpilicueta countered for the hosts and hung a ball into the box which Vela was unable to meet (8’).
Los Rojillos tried their luck on both flanks but were stopped dead in their tracks by Casillas, who time and again demonstrated why he is the league’s top Zamora candidate. On the opposite third, Diarra’s long strike was cleared to corner by Ricardo (24’). Vela answered with a crossed shot which Casillas trapped with little difficulty (25’).
The league unfolds in two minutes
The pace slowed near the half-hour mark, upon which Portillo had a go from Iker’s right which forced the Madridista keeper into a double take save (26’). Before the first half drew to a close, Saviola’s brilliant centre was met by Sneijder, who headered straight into Ricardo’s hands (36’).
Only seconds after the second half was underway, Cannavaro was booked for the second time and sent off, leaving Schuster’s side with ten men. The German tabbed Torres to replace Saviola, forcing Ramos into the centre of the back line with Pepe. Despite being a man down, Real Madrid turned on the jets. Sneijder watched as his lob struck of the crossbar and later off Raú’s back (56’). The Dutchman then saw his free kick cleard by Ricardo (61’).
The Whites needed a goal to clinch the league. Schuster subbed in Higuaín for Raúl. Cuco Ziganda followed suit by replacing Portillo and Javier Flaño with Pandiani and Sola. Madrid gained ground on Osasuna and had little difficulty reaching the opponent’s box. Robben, Higuaín, and Sneijder had numerous chances to seal the deal but lacked accuracy on the final touch.
It looked like the title would have to wait another week, and on one of their rare opportunities of the second half, Osasuna practically confirmed it with the first goal of the evening. Sola’s cross was punched clear by Casillas and deflected of Heinze’s hand, and Puñal smoothly converted the ensuing penalty (83’). But this championship has had one name written all over for an entire season, and destiny wanted the Madridistas to be the first to win a title in Pamplona.
Nothing short of a spectacular comeback by a team that wanted its 31st league title no matter where it was won. With three minutes left in regulation, Higuaín’s free kick found Robben who headered into the back of the net. Two minutes later, when the Madridista dream appeared all but postponed, Higuaín just happened to bring another league title back to Madrid. The Argentine received the pass from Ramos and nearly broke the back of the net with an unstoppable strike. Congratulations Champions!!!
MATCH REPORT:
1- OSASUNA: Ricardo; Javier Flaño (Pandiani, 62’), Cruchaga, Miguel Flaño, Monreal; Azpilicueta, Puñal, Astudillo, Vela; Portillo (Sola, 62’).
2- REAL MADRID: Casillas; Ramos, Cannavaro, Pepe, Heinze; Raúl (Higuaín, 64’), Diarra, gago, Robben; Sneijder (Baptista, 84’); Saviola (Torres, 52’).
REFEREE: Luis Medina Cantalejo. Booked Azpilicueta (14’), Heinze (37’), Cruchaga (37’), Sneijder (51’), Diarra (53’), Miguel Flaño (54’), Torres (66’), Puñal (74’), and sent off Cannavaro (11’ & 46’).
GOALS:
1-0, 83': Puñal.
1-1, 87': Robben.
1-2, 89': Higuaín.
NOTES: Matchday 35 of La Liga played at a sold out Reyno de Navarra Stadium.
Match report by Laura Navas
Translation by Matthew Goltz
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