Jose Mourinho ended his spell in charge of Real Madrid as the capital outfit welcomed Osasuna to the Bernabeu on Saturday.
The home side had to wait until the 35th minute for Gonzalo Higuain to send them into the lead, but it was 2-0 moments later when Michael Essien headed home from inside the box.
Osasuna had one back early in the second half when Roberto Torres found the top corner from outside the box, before Alvaro Cejudo levelled with 63 minutes on the clock.
Karim Benzema made it 3-2 for the home side, however, with a cool finish from inside the box after 69 minutes, before Jose Callejon added their fourth late on.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Well, after a long and exciting season, La Liga draws to a close this evening with much still to be decided. It has been a largely disappointing campaign for Real Madrid, with elimination in the semi-finals of the Champions League, in addition to losing the final of the Copa del Rey to rivals Atletico Madrid.
As it stands, the capital outfit currently sit second in the table on 82 points. They have managed to move past Atletico in the table in recent months, but there is no question that the loss of the league title will have hurt the club. The best they can hope for in the league is finishing 12 points behind Barcelona, who face Malaga later this afternoon.
Osasuna, meanwhile, had been looking over their shoulder in the latter part of the season, but two wins from their last three matches has moved them into 16th position, five points clear of the drop zone. It has not been the most spectacular of seasons for the club, but another campaign in Spain’s top flight has been achieved.
It promises to be a summer of change for Madrid with Portuguese boss Jose Mourinho departing the club at the end of the season. He had hoped to exit with at least one trophy, but the Champions League and Copa del Rey titles eluded him. Meanwhile, there remain question marks over the long-term future of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been linked with a return to Manchester United.
In terms of the recent meetings between Madrid and Osasuna, the latter has certainly enjoyed some recent success. They secured a 0-0 draw in the reverse league match in January, but recorded a 1-0 win over Madrid in January 2011. When Osasuna have lost, however, they have lost big. Madrid put seven past them in November 2011, before hitting five in March of last year.
Despite Madrid’s troubles this season, their record in this stadium has been sensational. They have won 16 of their 18 matches at the Bernabeu, remaining unbeaten in the process. It has been on the road where they have struggled with five defeats from 19 matches. Hardly a poor record, but they have taken 13 less points on the road than champions Barcelona.
Madrid have also been impressive in front of goal this season with 99 strikes from their 37 matches, but again, Barcelona have scored more. A team from Madrid does boast the best defensive record in the league this season, but it is Atletico Madrid with just 30 conceded. Barcelona have conceded 39, while Madrid are third in the list with 40.
Osasuna, meanwhile, have managed seven wins from their 19 matches on their own turf, taking 26 points in the process. Hardly a disastrous return, but that is just three more than Real Mallorca, who are currently bottom of the table. On the road they have won just three matches from 18, but they have managed to just keep their heads above water.
In terms of Osasuna’s statistics this season, they have struggled to find goals with just 31 in their 37 matches, which is comfortably the worst record in the division. Luckily they have been impressive down the other end with just 46 goals conceded, which is the joint-fourth best record in the league. Oh what they would give for a regular scorer.
There is no question that Madrid’s performances have dropped in recent weeks with a Copa del Rey final defeat to Atletico sandwiched by league draws with Espanyol and Real Sociedad. They have been described as a club in turmoil, but the new manager is going to inherit some squad of players next season.
Osasuna have been in good form in recent weeks, however, with wins over Sevilla and Getafe enough to move them clear of the bottom three. Three points this afternoon would move them above Granada into 15th position, which all things considered would be a stable finish for the club this season.
It has also been a disappointing week for Madrid in terms of transfers with the club missing out on top target Neymar, who has agreed to join Barcelona from Santos. Tottenham Hotspur’s Gareth Bale remains a target, but it is understood that the capital outfit will have to part with around £80m to land the Welshman, who is the hottest property in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Liverpool forward Luis Suarez is another name on the wanted list.
TEAMS:
MADRID: Jesus; Essien, Albiol, Carvalho, Arbeloa; Di Maria, Ozil, Modric, Callejon; Benzema, Higuain
OSASUNA: Riesgo; Ruben, Oier, Cejudo, Torres; Armenteros, Timor, Nano, Silva; Llorente, Unai Garcia
So there we have it. Jose Mourinho names an attacking lineup for his last match as Madrid boss with Karim Benzema, Gonzalo Higuain and Jose Callejon all starting. Meanwhile, there are also spots for Jesus Collado between the sticks and soon-to-be Monaco defender Ricardo Carvalho. Osasuna, meanwhile, recall Joseba Llorente and Roberto Torres, but Kike Sola must be content with a place on the bench.
A new striker could arrive at the Bernabeu this summer with neither Benzema nor Higuain hardly setting the place alight this season. Napoli’s Edison Cavani has been mooted as a possible target, while Liverpool forward Suarez has recently admitted that he would find it difficult to turn down a move to the club. Callejon is also expected to wave goodbye to the club at the end of the season.
It isn’t as if Osasuna have bundles of money to spend at the end of the season, but a striker who can find the back of the net would certainly push them a long way towards their finishes in recent seasons. They punched above their weight last season, finishing seventh, while they have not finished as low as they sit currently since the 2007-2008 season.
Just a quick reminder of what we have come to come on the final day of the season. Following this match we have action from the Camp Nou as champions Barcelona welcome Malaga, who have struggled in the second part of the season. Following on from that, we have eight 8pm starts, with much to be decided. Be sure to remain with us as the evening unfolds.
The race for fourth will also draw to a close with Real Sociedad and Valencia both in the running, while three from Real Mallorca, Real Zaragoza, Celta Vigo and Deportivo La Coruna will be relegated from the division. Be sure to stay with us throughout the evening and you will not miss a kick as another enthralling season draws to a close.
Right, we are just about five minutes from kickoff on this warm afternoon in the Spanish capital. I can see goals in the Bernabeu with Mourinho naming an incredibly attacking side, while Osasuna also have attacking options in the shape of Armenteros and Llorente. That said, I expect the home side to secure a comfortable three points in Madrid.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just a reminder of the main team news. Benzema, Higuain, Di Maria and Callejon all start for Madrid, but there is no place for Cristiano Ronaldo. Osasuna also make changes, with De las Cuevas and Sola dropping to the bench.
Mixed reception for Mourinho as the Madrid boss takes charge of the club for the last time this afternoon. He has been a good servant to the Spanish outfit, but many believe that he could have handled his departure in a different way. I have to agree. Right, the away side get the action underway in the Bernabeu. Higuain skippers Madrid this afternoon.
Mourinho finally enters the dugout moments before kickoff, while Ronaldo, who is not in the squad, was cheered onto the pitch by the supporters. Half-chance for Osasuna within two minutes as Timor strikes an effort from close range, but it just flashes wide of the post.
Quite extraordinary scenes in the Bernabeu as the photographers surround Mourinho on the touchline, with the referee forced to stop the match. Unfortunately, this match has become about politics rather than both teams attempting to end their season in style. Not too much to report in terms of Madrid pressure thus far, but Osasuna have already threatened to open the scoring.
This afternoon is also the last time that we will see Carvalho in a Madrid shirt with the Portuguese agreeing terms with Monaco, who have made huge noises in the transfer market this summer. Mourinho continues to look relaxed on the touchline as he watches over his side, who have struggled to keep possession thus far. It has the feeling of an end-of-season tie, with not too much to play for.
Good pressure from Osasuna in the last couple of moments with the away side forcing two corners in quick succession, but the first is headed over by Albiol before Collado, Madrid's fourth-choice goalkeeper, comes to claim under pressure from Timor. Madrid attack moments later with Ozil, but Ruben is across to clear the German's cross.
Half-chance for Essien this time as the on-loan Chelsea midfielder meets a cross from Ozil, but his header is high and wide of the target. Osasuna attempt to break down the other end with Llorente, but the Spaniard had moved into an offside position. Callejon finds Higuain moments later, but the Argentine cannot evade the challenge of Oier.
Good tempo to the match in the last couple of moments with both sides prepared to commit numbers to each attack, but neither has really threatened to open the scoring in the 12 minutes of football thus far. Strong work from Nano allows Silva the chance to deliver a cross into the Madrid box, but once more the danger is cleared.
It's smart work from Di Maria as the Argentine collects a pass from Higuain before attempting to return the favour, but Riesgo is out to collect at the vital moment. Meanwhile, it is the away supporters that are making the noise with 14 minutes on the clock. Still no chances for either side on this warm afternoon in Madrid.
Half-chance for the away side with Llorente meeting a cross from Armenteros, but Jesus is down to make a fine save at the vital moment. That will do his confidence no harm at all. The tempo of the match has certainly dropped in the last couple of minutes with neither side too concerned with forcing the issue in the opposing half.
Sloppy period of the match at the moment with both sides guilty of conceding free kicks outside the opposing box. The latest allows Higuain the chance to try his luck from distance, but Riesgo was always comfortable in claiming the danger. Not too much from Osasuna in the last few moments with Llorente cutting an isolated figure in the Madrid half.
Half-chance for Higuain as Ozil drives down the left before finding the Argentine in the box, but his final touch just allows Oier the chance to clear. Benzema threatens moments later, but the striker had moved into an offside position. Cejudo has a half-chance down the other end, but his effort is high and wide of the target.
It is a case of you attack, we attack at the moment with neither side able to find that elusive pass in the final third. It is certainly producing an entertaining affair, but neither side has really threatened to open the scoring thus far. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Barcelona against Malaga.
Mourinho remains unmoved as he is glued to his seat in the dugout. I would be surprised if he moved from that area this afternoon. Osasuna threaten once more as Armenteros collects a pass from Nano before attempting to collect the return, but the pass had been over-hit. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining.
Real mixed response for Mourinho inside the stadium with chants of 'Jose Mourinho' met with despair from some corners of the ground. He won the league title last season, but it has been a disappointing campaign this time around. His conduct in recent weeks has also angered the club's supporters. Half-chance for Benzema as Ozil finds the Frenchman in the box, but Riesgo is out to clear.
CHANCE! Best chance of the match by some distance as Modric drives into the penalty area before striking from close range, but Ruben is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. Finally a bit of quality from the home side. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining. Neither side has been able to open the scoring thus far.
Benzema calls for a penalty as he hits the deck under the challenge of Oier, but the referee is not interested. In truth, there were not many calls from his teammates. Osasuna's turn to attack brings an opportunity as Cejudo hits one from outside the box, but Jesus is comfortable claiming the danger. Lively spectacle, but no real quality in possession of the ball.
Better from Madrid in the last couple of moments with Benzema and Higuain both having half-chances to open the scoring. The home side also threaten with two corners in quick succession, but Riesgo has been confident in the Osasuna goal thus far. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining in the Spanish capital.
Another half-chance for the home side as Ozil finds Di Maria on the edge of the box, but his effort is blocked by Oier, who has been impressive in the opening half thus far. Madrid continue to look the more dangerous in the final third, but without Cristiano Ronaldo, the threat is less obvious. Not too much for the away supporters to get excited about, however.
CHANCE! Osasuna's best chance of the match arrives for Timor as the Spaniard strikes an effort from close range, but Jesus is across to make a fine save. Di Maria tries his luck down the other end as he rounds Riesgo, but his cross is cleared by Oier. Suddenly the tie has burst into life at both ends of the pitch.
GOAL! Madrid 1-0 Osasuna (Higuain)
Madrid open the scoring 10 minutes before the interval as Higuain breaks the offside trap before thumping an effort into the bottom corner for his 16th goal of the season. Clinical finish from the Argentine, who could be on his way out of the club at the end of the season.
It is harsh on Osasuna, who have been more than in this match thus far, but Madrid had started to raise the tempo in the last few moments. I suspect we could see a number of Madrid's youngsters in the second period with the likes of Fabinho, Alvaro Morata and Omar Mascarell on the bench. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
GOAL! Madrid 2-0 Osasuna (Essien)
Madrid have their second of the match in quick succession as Essien rises in the box before thumping a header into the back of the net. Wonderful piece of improvisation from the on-loan Chelsea midfielder. The Ghana international runs straight to Mourinho, with the pair engaging in a hug. Could that be the case at Chelsea next season?
Half-chance for the away side as Torres collects possession outside the box before thumping an effort towards goal, but Jesus is more than equal to the danger. It has been a competent display from the young stopper thus far. Madrid continue to threaten, meanwhile, with Di Maria and Ozil seeing more of the possession.
Opportunity for Osasuna to open their tally for the evening as Nano delivers a dangerous free kick into the box, but Carvalho is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Ruben picks up the pieces before thumping an effort from outside the box, but the former Real Madrid defender fires high and wide of the crossbar.
Handbags in the latter stages of the half with Higuain and Garcia clashing in the Osasuna box. Both players receive bookings for their conduct. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Madrid 2-0 Osasuna
So there we have it. Madrid look as if they are going to sign off for the season with three points, courtesy of goals from Higuain and Essien in the latter stages of the half. It has not been the most enthralling of encounters, but Osasuna have had chances to open their tally.
STATISTICS: Osasuna have just about shaded the possession with 51%, but they have had five attempts to Madrid's 12. Both goals came within three minutes, which was certainly harsh on the away side. As it stands, Madrid will move onto 85 points for the season having won 26 of their 38 league matches.
BENCH WATCH: Mourinho has named Antonio Adan and Nacho on the bench this afternoon, while youngsters Morata, Fabinho, Diego Llorente and Omar Mascarell have also been included. Osasuna, meanwhile, have the likes of Miguel de las Cuevas and Kike Sola in reserve. I suspect we could see both in the second period.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just 45 minutes remaining for Jose Mourinho as boss of Real Madrid. One change apiece at the interval with Nacho replacing Di Maria for the home side, while Manuel Omwu replaces Llorente. Right, the home side get the half underway.
In many ways, this match has summed up Osasuna's season. They have played some nice football, matching Madrid for large periods, but have simply been unable to find the back of the net. Their defensive record has been strong, but they are the lowest scorers in the league. Madrid will be keen to put on a show in the second half, but a goal for the away side would certainly make things interesting.
It's really smart football from the home side as Callejon moves past two defenders before finding Higuain on the edge of the box, but Oier is across to clear at the final moment. Ozil has a half-chance moments later after combining with Benzema, but Riesgo is out to make a fine save. Lively start to the half from the home side.
Madrid continue to force this issue, this time through Nacho, as the Spaniard delivers a low cross into the box, but Garcia is across to clear at the vital moment. Omwu has a half-chance down the other end as he strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving over the crossbar. Madrid continue to lead 2-0 with 52 minutes on the clock.
Madrid have conceded 11 goals in their last five games in all competitions. That defence, which is much-changed, is being placed under more pressure here with Torres and Timor both trying their luck from outside the box, but the former is denied by Jesus before the latter fires wide. Highly-charged tempo in the second period.
GOAL! Madrid 2-1 Osasuna (Torres)
Wow! Osasuna have one back as Torres collects possession outside the box before thumping an effort into the top corner. Stunning strike from the Spaniard. You cannot say that it is not deserved. Can Osasuna upset Mourinho in his final match in charge of Madrid?
Another half-chance arrives for the away side as Arbeloa sells Jesus short, but the stopper just manages to clear under pressure from Timor. Armenteros has an opportunity with a header moments later, but he can only direct his effort over the crossbar. Madrid are suddenly in trouble here.
CHANCE! Fine opportunity for Higuain to score his second of the match as he drives into the Osasuna box, but the Argentine is denied by a fine save from Riesgo. That would have been game, set and match. Omwu has an effort down the other end, but Jesus is able to watch it move wide of the target.
It is hard not to be impressed by Osasuna this afternoon as they continue to pass and probe outside the Madrid box, but they just cannot find that elusive final pass. Silva wants a penalty moments later as Essien bundles over the Chilean, but the referee awards a free kick just outside the box.
Madrid are just struggling to keep hold of possession at the moment with another pass going astray in the final third. Omwu is once more involved for the away side, but he can only chip into the arms of Jesus, who has been a busy goalkeeper in the second half. Little under 30 minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital.
We have just had another look at that challenge on Silva from Essien, which did appear to be outside the box. Replays have suggested that it should have been a penalty. Mourinho finally moves out of his seat to gesture to his side, but he quickly returns to the dugout. Osasuna are right in this match make no mistake about that.
GOAL! Madrid 2-2 Osasuna (Cejudo)
Osasuna level with 63 minutes on the clock as Cejudo guides an Omwu cross into the back of the net. The small pocket of away supporters inside the stadium celebrate as if they have won the league. Madrid are in real danger of losing this match as things stand.
Mourinho immediately sends his substitutes onto the field to warm up as we approach the latter stages of the match. The Portuguese boss is not the most popular man inside this stadium at the moment, but three points this afternoon would at least quell some boos at the final whistle. As it stands, however, Osasuna look the team more likely to pick up all three points.
Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about at the moment with Higuain and Benzema too often moving into the same area in the final third. There is a reason why Mourinho has been reluctant to play those two together this season. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital.
It is the Osasuna supporters that are making their voices known at the moment as their side continues to force the issue in the Madrid half. There is no question that Osasuna would have been in the top half of the table if they had a regular scorer this season. As it stands, Osasuna have had 53% of the possession at the Bernabeu. Not many teams can say that with 71 minutes on the clock.
GOAL! Madrid 3-2 Osasuna (Benzema)
Madrid regain the lead with 20 minutes remaining as Benzema collects a pass from Ozil before thumping an effort into the back of the net. It was a powerful strike, but Riesgo will think that he should have done better.
Armenteros tries his luck from outside the box as he collects possession before striking towards goal, but Jesus was always comfortable claiming the danger. Omwu wins a free kick outside the box for Osasuna moments later, but it comes to nothing. Can the away side respond once more?
Jesus is once more forced to make a save following a free kick from Nano, but the young Madrid stopper is equal to the danger. It has been a strong performance from the Spaniard. Timor tries his luck moments later, but again Jesus makes the save. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for Modric to make it four as the Croatian dances into the box before curling an effort towards the top corner, but it just moved wide of the post. He has been Madrid's best player, not only this afternoon, but in the last three months of the season.
Osasuna make their second change of the match as Ricardo enters the field in place of Riesgo. He becomes the second oldest player in La Liga history at the age of 41. The former Manchester United stopper receives a warm welcome from both sets of supporters. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining at the Bernabeu.
Madrid have the ball in the back of the net once more as Benzema taps home from close range, but Callejon had just moved into an offside position moments before. Osasuna immediately have another effort from distance down the other end, but Omwu can only fire wide of the target. Is there one more goal in this match?
Osasuna make their third and final change of the match as Silva is replaced by Maikel Mesa. The away side continue to force the issue with two corners in quick succession, but the first is cleared by Essien before Jesus comes to claim the second. A low cross from Higuain threatens down the other end, but Oier is across to clear the danger.
Another half-chance for the home side as Benzema curls an effort from just inside the box, but it moves wide of the post. Madrid make their second change of the match moments later as Ozil is replaced by Omar - another debutant. Little under five minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital.
Madrid, bar a late turn of events, will finish the league season unbeaten in this stadium. Their final change is made as 19-year-old centre-back Llorente, another from the youth side, is introduced in place of Arbeloa. Little over two minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital. It looks to be a winning exit for Mourinho.
GOAL! Madrid 4-2 Osasuna (Callejon)
Madrid have their fourth of the afternoon as Benzema finds Callejon, who thumps his effort into the back of the net. It is harsh on Osasuna. This is the sixth time that Madrid have scored at least four goals this season.
Not too much to report in the final couple of moments with Madrid comfortable in possession of the ball. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes at the end of the match. It will indeed be a winning exit for Mourinho.
FULL-TIME: Madrid 4-2 Osasuna
So there we have it. Madrid score four times as they overcome Osasuna in their final match of the season. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Barcelona against Malaga. Until then!
