PAMPLONA: Atletico Madrid’s La Liga title challenge faltered when they slumped to a shock 3-0 defeat at Osasuna late on Sunday that left Real Madrid three points clear at the top of the table.
Champions Barcelona and Real were held to draws at Osasuna’s El Sadar stadium in Pamplona earlier in the season and Atletico fell behind in the sixth minute when Alvaro Cejudo arrived unmarked at the back post to volley into the net.
An error by fullback Juanfran allowed Emiliano Armenteros space to score with a long-range drive in the 21st minute and Roberto Torres nodded a third goal three minutes before the break.
It was the first time Atletico conceded three goals in the first half since Argentine coach Diego Simeone took over in 2011.
Simeone rested several regulars before bringing on playmakers Koke and Arda Turan and attacking midfielder Raul Garcia in the second half.
Atletico forward Diego Costa, who has 21 goals in La Liga this season, toiled up front but a typically gritty defensive performance from Osasuna kept him at bay as they climbed to 12th on 29 points.
Atletico nearly pulled one back through Raul Garcia in the 77th minute as he volleyed Koke’s delivery wide from a tight angle but Osasuna held on to crank up the pressure on Simeone and his players heading into next Sunday’s Madrid derby.
Barcelona, Real and Atletico were level on 60 points before the latest round of matches but after Real cruised to a 3-0 win over Elche earlier on Sunday, Barca were beaten 3-1 at Real Sociedad as coach Gerardo Martino’s decision to rest key players backfired.
Barca and Atletico won impressively in midweek Champions League action but were unable to carry their form into the weekend.
Real, who are unbeaten in 26 matches in all competitions and visit Atletico next Sunday, are top on 63 points with 13 games left. (Reuters)