Osasuna 0-0 Real Madrid: Limp Los Blancos Held By Camacho's Charges

Real Madrid limped into 2010 as they escaped from Pamplona with just a point against a gutsy Osasuna side. The hosts had the better of the chances in the first half while Gonzalo Higuain squandered Los Blancos best chance in the second 45 minutes.

Playing in difficult conditions, Osasuna had the better of a high-tempo first half. Jose Antonio Camacho's side were a threat from set pieces and used the long throw-ins of Cesar Azpilicueta to good effect in the opening period.

Real struggled to win the midfield battle and relied on the advancing Alvaro Arbeloa to produce something down the left. He was full of tricks, but all too often his team-mates couldn't capitalise on his crosses.

Osasuna came close to breaking the deadlock twice in the first half and both times it was through set-pieces.

First, it was Reversio who nodded an inviting Juanfran free-kick just wide on the half hour mark and ten minutes later Javad Nekounam forced Iker Casillas into a last ditch save, as his header from Francisco Punal's corner bounced in front of the Real Madrid shot stopper.

Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to exert his usual influence on the game as he tried to pick out white shirts who weren't on his wavelength.

The Portuguese wizard went to ground far too easily in the dying stages of the first half as he was closed down by three red shirts on the edge of the box. The former Red Devil was lucky to not pick up a booking for simulation, but Walter Pandiani wasn't so fortunate as he saw yellow for a peculiar incident moments later.

The striker got booked for intercepting a long throw from Casillas which clearly struck his head and the Uruguayan was furious.

Knowing a win would return them to the summit of La Liga, Real were more determined for the second half and went close through Marcelo, who tested Ricardo with a rasper just seconds in.

Their best chances fell to Gonzalo Higuain who was played in by Marcelo on the hour mark and dragged his shot wide of the six yard box when he had time and space to compose himself.

Moments later it was the hosts who nearly opened the scoring in a crazy minute of action.

Javier Camunas played in an excellent crossfield ball which appeared destined for Pandiani, only for Sergio Ramos to stick a leg out and prevent the danger. From his clearance the whites went on the break and it was Higuain again who broke into the box and with only the keeper to beat he put his effort skyward.

The visitors introduced Raul and Karim Benzema as they went in search of a winner. Real's summer signing from Lyon impressed with an angled drive that whizzed past the post moments after coming on.

Osasuna forced a flurry of corners in the closing stages as they more than held their own against their glamorous visitors from the capital.

Coach Camacho continued to roar his side on who were good value for their point as Real could only lament not taking advantage of Barcelona's rare slip up against Villarreal on Saturday.

Patrick Reilly, Goal.com