Controversial Refereeing Overshadows Real Madrid’s Stumble in 1-1 Draw with Osasuna

Bellingham’s Red Card and Penalty Decision Leave Los Blancos Frustrated as Title Race Tightens

MADRID — Real Madrid’s grip on the La Liga title race loosened further after a contentious 1-1 draw with Osasuna on Saturday, with controversial refereeing decisions taking center stage at the Santiago Bernabéu. Despite an early lead, Carlo Ancelotti’s side was left frustrated as a red card and a disputed penalty call swung momentum against them, extending their winless streak in the league to three matches.

The hosts started brightly, with Kylian Mbappé breaking the deadlock in the 15th minute. The French superstar tapped in his 25th goal of the season after a pinpoint cross from Fede Valverde, giving Los Blancos the perfect start. However, the game took a dramatic turn in the 39th minute when referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero brandished a straight red card to Jude Bellingham. The England international was dismissed for remarks deemed offensive by the official, leaving Real Madrid to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.

Osasuna capitalized on their numerical advantage in the 58th minute, leveling the score from the penalty spot. The decision to award the penalty sparked further controversy, as Eduardo Camavinga was adjudged to have fouled Ante Budimir despite the striker having already taken his shot. Budimir stepped up and coolly converted, leaving the home crowd incensed.

Real Madrid pushed hard for a winner in the final half-hour, with Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior both coming close, but the visitors held firm to secure a hard-fought point. The result leaves Real Madrid just two points clear at the top of La Liga, but their position is precarious. With Atlético Madrid and Barcelona yet to play this weekend, Los Blancos could slip to third by Monday night.

Atlético Madrid can leapfrog their city rivals with a win against Celta Vigo on Sunday, while Barcelona can move into second on goal difference if they defeat Rayo Vallecano on Monday. Ancelotti’s side, who have managed just two points from their last three league games, will now turn their attention to the UEFA Champions League. They host Manchester City on Wednesday in the second leg of their knockout phase play-off, aiming to protect a narrow 3-2 aggregate lead.

For Osasuna, the draw extends their unbeaten run in La Liga to five games, though they have only one win in that stretch. The result lifts them to seventh in the table, one point ahead of Real Sociedad, Girona, and Mallorca. Manager Vicente Moreno will be pleased with his team’s resilience as they prepare for a trip to Celta Vigo next weekend.

As the La Liga title race heats up, Real Madrid’s recent struggles have opened the door for their rivals. With key decisions going against them and their form faltering, Ancelotti’s men face a critical week that could define their season.

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