Real Madrid Stars Crumble Against Osasuna as Shocking Performance Ends Perfect La Liga Run

In Álvaro Arbeloa's first setback as manager, Real Madrid suffered their initial La Liga point loss, going down 2–1 to Osasuna on Saturday.

The Madrid powerhouse appeared sluggish throughout the match from kickoff, finding it difficult to handle their energetic adversaries. Ante Budimir eventually put his side ahead from the penalty spot after Thibaut Courtois was penalized for a disputed foul late in the opening period.

Vinicius Junior leveled the score for his team with a close-range finish in the 73rd minute, but Osasuna remained determined. Errors from Dani Ceballos and Raúl Asencio created the opening for Raúl García to net a decisive 90th-minute goal.

This disappointing loss ended Real Madrid's eight-match La Liga winning run and now allows Barcelona the chance to return to first place in the table when they face Levante on Sunday.

Winners and Losers

Winners and Losers

Winners

Winners

Real Madrid appeared utterly flat until a single moment of brilliance from Federico Valverde and Vinicius Jr sparked some life into the squad. The Uruguayan midfielder, who had been restricted to covering for Dani Carvajal during the first hour, was liberated when Trent Alexander-Arnold entered the match.

Valverde collected the ball near midfield before surging forward, evading three defenders attempting to stop him and delivering a precise cross to Vinicius Jr, who finished expertly from close range. While the strike couldn't secure a positive result, it prevented Los Blancos from suffering total humiliation.

Losers

Losers

Thibaut Courtois frequently serves as Real Madrid's savior, making it particularly surprising when he makes an error. Weak defending from Raúl Asencio forced the keeper to rush out against a charging Ante Budimir, who fell rather easily and dramatically in the penalty area. A VAR examination confirmed Courtois made contact with the forward, however, enabling Osasuna to score from twelve yards.

Dani Carvajal finally received the starting opportunity he had been awaiting, and his display only ensured his return to the substitutes' bench. The right-back, who is meant to be the more defensively reliable choice compared to Trent Alexander-Arnold, proved to be a complete weakness. The 34-year-old veteran lacked speed and tactical awareness, struggling through 64 minutes before Arbeloa made the necessary change.

Real Madrid Player Ratings vs. Osasuna (4-4-2)

Real Madrid Player Ratings vs. Osasuna (4-4-2)

*Ratings Provided by FotMob*

GK: Thibaut Courtois—4.9: Produced two outstanding saves to keep his side competitive in the first half, but then conceded a penalty that negated his excellent work. Let in both shots on target he faced.

RB: Dani Carvajal—6.8: Disappointing in what represented a significant chance. Displayed minimal urgency in pressing the ball during crucial moments and was exposed repeatedly. Offered little threat in attack.

CB: Raúl Asencio—6.7: Bears some responsibility for the Courtois penalty mistake. Failed to recover position quickly enough and lacked coordination with his goalkeeper, resulting in an avoidable error. Also performed poorly for Osasuna's winning goal.

CB: David Alaba—6.8: Impressive in what was a surprise selection. Created two of the best opportunities in the first half and fulfilled his defensive duties.

LB: Álvaro Carreras—7.5: Effectively neutralized Rubén García, but offered little creativity in his forward play.

RM: Federico Valverde—7.4: Contributed effectively on the right wing to support Carvajal and covered significant distance. Deserves full praise for creating Vinicius Jr's goal with a brilliant individual effort.

CM: Arda Güler—6.4: Barely featured in the match. Another demonstration of his difficulties in a withdrawn position when Real Madrid are struggling.

CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni—7.5: Performed well defensively, but failed to control the midfield with his usual authority. Will regret not converting an excellent scoring chance at the end of the first half.

LM: Eduardo Camavinga—7.2: Inconsistent performance. While his tackling ability is undeniable, the Frenchman needs to offer more forward-thinking passes.

ST: Kylian Mbappé—6.7: Among his weakest performances this season. Registered only one shot on target, failed to create dangerous runs and never dominated the match.

ST: Vinicius Junior—7.7: Troubled by Osasuna's aggressive defending throughout most of the game, but needed just one opportunity for the Brazilian to deliver. Once again the most threatening forward in the Madrid attack.

SUB: Brahim Díaz (64' for Camavinga)—6.5: Energetic but couldn't find clear chances to make an impact.

SUB: Trent Alexander-Arnold (64' for Carvajal)—5.9: Moved seamlessly from the right wing to central midfield. Provided the team with necessary width.

SUB: Gonzalo García (75' for Valverde)—6.3: Managed only four touches. Made no meaningful contribution.

SUB: Dani Ceballos (83' for Güler)—N/A: Lost possession in added time, directly contributing to Osasuna's decisive goal.

Subs not used: Andriy Lunin (GK), Sergio Mestre (GK), Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy, Fran García, Thiago Pitarch, Franco Mastantuono.

What the Ratings Tell Us

What the Ratings Tell Us

The Statistics That Explain Real Madrid's Disappointing Loss

The Statistics That Explain Real Madrid's Disappointing Loss