Leaders Real Madrid extended their winless LaLiga run to three games when they were held to a 1-1 draw at Osasuna on Saturday (Feb 15) after playing most of the game with 10 men. Madrid top the standings with 51 points, with second-placed city rivals Atletico Madrid a point adrift. Third-placed FC Barcelona, who are on 48 points, will face Rayo Vallecano on Monday.
Real Madrid started the game in control and Kylian Mbappe put them ahead in the 15th minute, finishing from close range following a counter attack by Federico Valverde before Jude Bellingham was handed his marching orders following an argument with the referee in the 39th minute.
Osasuna forward Ante Budimir levelled in the 58th minute with a tidy finish from the penalty spot after he was fouled inside the box by Eduardo Camavinga.
Last-year's champions paid a heavy price for wasting several chances to extend their lead, including a sitter that was missed from close-range by Vinicius Jr, who was otherwise a menace with his runs up and down the left channel.
The game grew in tension and Madrid's players and bench complained forcefully to the referee on several occasions throughout the first half.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti was booked after voicing his frustration at Madrid not being awarded three penalties for what he thought were fouls on Vinicius and Bellingham and a handball inside the box by Alejandro Catena. Referee Jose Munuera Montero eventually tired of the complaints from Madrid's players and flashed a straight red to Bellingham after the English midfielder voiced his frustration to the official.
"I do not want to go into the details of what was said, but I didn't insult the referee and I hope they review the footage because it was a misunderstanding, but I am here to apologise to the team anyways," Bellingham told reporters.
Osasuna were livelier after the break and Thibaut Courtois made a great reflex save to deny Jon Moncayola's close-range header in the 55th minute, with Budimir striking the rebound wide of the right post.
The VAR, however, told the referee to review the play and he decided to award a penalty to Osasuna for Camavinga's stomp on Budimir's foot.
Madrid still had chances to snatch a win, with Mbappe wasting a great opportunity from a counter in the 70th minute, and Vinicius Jr almost scored a fantastic individual goal five minutes later, dribbling past three defenders and the goalkeeper but his effort was headed off the goalline by Catena.
Atletico Madrid, who are two points behind Real Madrid, will go top if they win against Celta Vigo later on Saturday. Hansi Flick's Barcelona will also leapfrog Real Madrid on goal difference if they beat Rayo Vallecano on Monday.
