Defending champions Real Madrid faced a setback in their title pursuit after being held to a 1-1 draw against Osasuna in Pamplona. The match saw Madrid’s star Jude Bellingham receive a red card just before halftime for what appeared to be excessive protesting, leaving the team with 10 men.
Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring for Madrid in the 15th minute, marking his 11th goal in just as many games this season. However, the match took a turn when the referee awarded Osasuna a penalty following a video review. Eduardo Camavinga was penalized for a foul on Ante Budimir in the box, leading to Budimir equalizing from the spot in the 58th minute, sparking celebrations among the home supporters at El Sadar Stadium.
The draw places Madrid’s position atop the LaLiga standings in jeopardy, as Atletico Madrid trails by just two points before their match against Celta Vigo. Moreover, Barcelona has the opportunity to level points with the reigning champions should they secure a victory against Rayo Vallecano.
Real Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, also received a yellow card early in the match for his protests over a potential handball in the Osasuna area, adding to the frustrations surrounding the officiating. This follows Madrid’s recent complaints to the Spanish football federation about perceived biased refereeing decisions that they claim have favored other teams.
On a brighter note, Osasuna’s strong performance, including a previous victory against Barcelona, pushes them into seventh place in the standings, showcasing the team’s potential in the league.
This draw serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of LaLiga, where the race for the title is heating up, and every match is crucial as teams strive to capitalize on opportunities and errors from their rivals.