La Liga leaders Real Madrid dropped two points in a 1-1 draw at Osasuna on Saturday, with Jude Bellingham being sent off for dissent late in the first half.
The Spanish champions took an early lead through Kylian Mbappe, who continued his hot streak with his seventh goal in the last five La Liga matches. However, Bellingham’s red card for apparent dissent just before the break disrupted Madrid’s momentum.
Osasuna equalized in the 58th minute when Ante Budimir converted from the penalty spot after a foul on him by Eduardo Camavinga. It marked a third consecutive league match without a victory for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Atletico Madrid, in second place and two points behind the leaders, were set to host Celta Vigo later on Saturday, while third-place Barcelona will face Rayo Vallecano on Monday.
Ancelotti rotated his squad with an eye on the upcoming Champions League second-leg clash with Manchester City, resting Rodrygo and giving Brahim Diaz a rare start. Madrid dominated early, with Vinicius Jr. appealing for a penalty when the ball struck Osasuna’s Alejandro Catena’s arm and later squandering a chance when Mbappe’s cross was misjudged.
Madrid’s opener came through Mbappe’s clinical finish from Fede Valverde’s low cross, though Osasuna was only truly threatened once in the first half by a drive from Aimar Oroz, saved expertly by Thibaut Courtois.
Despite Bellingham’s red card, Madrid pushed forward but was unable to find a winner. Vinicius missed a golden opportunity, and Mbappe narrowly missed with a shot that went over the bar in stoppage time.
Madrid’s frustration over recent Spanish refereeing decisions continued, with complaints about Munuera Montero’s officiating and the penalty awarded to Osasuna.
With just 10 men for nearly an hour, Madrid will hope the exhaustion takes its toll as they face Manchester City on Wednesday in the Champions League.
AFP
