Osasuna 2-1 Real Madrid: Player Ratings & Performances

Pamplona, Spain – Real Madrid suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat to Osasuna at El Sadar Stadium on February 21, 2026, marking the first La Liga loss for manager Álvaro Arbeloa. The result throws the title race wide open, potentially allowing Barcelona to reclaim the top spot when they face Levante on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

The match saw a disjointed performance from the Spanish giants, struggling to find rhythm against a spirited Osasuna side. Ante Budimir opened the scoring for the home team with a penalty late in the first half, awarded after a challenge on him by Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The penalty decision was described as “harsh” but acknowledged as a risk taken by Courtois coming off his line.

Despite falling behind, Real Madrid found an equalizer through Vinícius Júnior in the 73rd minute. The goal stemmed from a driving run by Federico Valverde, who bypassed three defenders and delivered a clinical cross for Vinícius to convert from close range. However, the comeback proved short-lived. Raúl García secured the victory for Osasuna in the 90th minute, exploiting space created by a defensive lapse from Raúl Asencio and evading Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The performance was largely considered lifeless, particularly in the first half. Valverde’s individual brilliance provided a fleeting moment of hope, but the team’s overall display lacked the intensity and cohesion expected of a title contender. His substitution appeared to negatively impact the team’s momentum, with his presence described as “irreplaceable” during the match.

Player ratings reflected the team’s struggles. Courtois, despite making a “godly save” earlier in the match, was criticized for conceding the penalty. Dani Carvajal received a particularly low rating of 3, having been “ripped apart” by Víctor Muñoz and appearing “short of match fitness.” Raúl Asencio also received a low score of 4, described as being “all over the place defensively.” David Alaba, while contributing offensively with dangerous shots, was noted to be struggling with Budimir’s physicality and appearing “a step slow.”

Vinícius Júnior, alongside Valverde, emerged as one of the few bright spots for Real Madrid. He was praised for repeatedly attempting to break lines, creating danger, and attacking the goal with intent. His efforts, however, were ultimately undermined by defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of support from other players.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, making an appearance off the bench, showed promise with a “brilliant diagonal switch” to Vinícius for his goal, but struggled defensively at times. Brahim Díaz’s contribution was described as “slightly redundant,” while Gonzalo García’s late introduction proved ineffective, with only four touches and one inside the box. Dani Ceballos received a particularly scathing rating of 2, criticized for “bad decision-making” and “careless giveaways.”

Kylian Mbappé, currently experiencing a dip in form, also received a low rating of 3, with reports of “poor finishing” and “uninspiring off-ball movement” affecting his confidence and sharpness. The team’s struggles highlight a potential reliance on individual brilliance rather than collective performance, a concern as the season progresses.

The defeat snaps Real Madrid’s eight-game winning streak in La Liga and introduces a significant shift in the title race dynamic. Barcelona now have the opportunity to overtake Real Madrid at the summit of the table, adding further pressure on Arbeloa’s side to rediscover their form. The match serves as a stark reminder of the competitive nature of La Liga and the challenges that lie ahead for the defending champions.

The result will undoubtedly prompt scrutiny of Real Madrid’s tactical approach and individual performances. Arbeloa will need to address the defensive vulnerabilities exposed by Osasuna and find a way to reignite the spark in his key attacking players, particularly Mbappé, if Real Madrid are to maintain their title aspirations.