Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa has urged his squad to remain mentally resilient following a shock 2–1 defeat to Osasuna on Saturday evening (February 21, 2026).
The loss at El Sadar marks Arbeloa’s first league defeat since taking over from Xabi Alonso in January and leaves Real Madrid’s top spot in La Liga under immediate threat from Barcelona.
The “El Sadar” Setback
The match was defined by VAR drama and a late heartbreak for the Merengues:
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VAR Controversy: Osasuna took the lead in the 34th minute after a VAR review judged that Thibaut Courtois had fouled Ante Budimir. Budimir converted the resulting penalty.
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The Fightback: Vinícius Júnior equalized in the 73rd minute—his fifth goal in four games—giving Madrid hope for a comeback.
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The Killer Blow: In the 90th minute, Raúl García de Haro scored a breakaway winner. The goal was initially flagged for offside but was overturned by VAR, sparking celebrations in Pamplona.
Arbeloa’s Rallying Cry
Despite the result, Arbeloa focused on the immediate future during his post-match press conference:
“I hope the defeat doesn’t affect us mentally—in four days, we have to play again. A team shows its strength in difficult moments. I believe firmly in my players and the work they are doing.”
The manager acknowledged that while Madrid controlled the tempo, they lacked the “speed and intensity” required to break down Osasuna’s low block.
Focus Shifts to Benfica
There is no time for mourning in Madrid. On Wednesday, February 25, Real Madrid hosts Benfica at the Santiago Bernabéu for the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16.
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The Advantage: Madrid holds a slim 1–0 lead thanks to Vinícius Júnior’s winner in the first leg in Lisbon on February 17.
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The Stakes: With the La Liga title race now separated by just two points (pending Barcelona’s result against Levante), advancing in Europe has become a psychological necessity for Arbeloa’s young tenure.