Bellingham Sent Off as Real Madrid Drop Points in Osasuna Draw

Posted : 15 February 2025

Real Madrid missed the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of La Liga after being held to a frustrating draw against Osasuna, with Jude Bellingham receiving a red card. The England international, who had scored a late winner against Manchester City in the Champions League earlier in the week, was sent off in the 39th minute for allegedly using abusive language toward referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero.

Bellingham had only previously been dismissed for Real Madrid in a match against Valencia in March 2024, when he received a second yellow card for protesting a referee's decision. Despite taking the lead through Kylian Mbappé, who capitalized on Federico Valverde’s precise cross to score his 17th league goal of the season, Real were unable to secure the victory.

Osasuna found their equalizer in the 58th minute after Eduardo Camavinga conceded a penalty for a foul on Ante Budimir, who converted from the spot. After the game, Bellingham defended himself, stating that his words were misunderstood and not directed at the referee. "It's difficult when a referee misinterprets something I’ve said to myself and makes a decision that impacts the team," he explained.

He insisted that he did not insult the referee and that there had been a misunderstanding regarding his words. Coach Carlo Ancelotti backed his player, asserting that Bellingham had indeed used an expletive, but it was not directed at the match official.

Despite being down to 10 men, Real Madrid continued to push for a winner in the second half. Mbappé squandered a golden opportunity when he failed to pick out Vinicius Jr, who was unmarked in the Osasuna penalty area.

Vinicius later created a promising chance by dribbling past two defenders, only for Alejandro Catena to clear his shot off the line. With time running out, Luka Modric had a final chance to snatch victory, but his volley from Vinicius' cross failed to hit the target.

The draw leaves Real Madrid in a precarious position at the top of La Liga, with both Atletico Madrid and Barcelona poised to overtake them. Atletico, who are just two points behind, can claim the top spot with a victory over Celta Vigo later on Saturday. Meanwhile, Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, will move ahead of Real Madrid on goal difference if they secure a win against Rayo Vallecano on Monday.

Bellingham Sent Off as Real Madrid Drop Points in Osasuna Draw

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