Álvaro Arbeloa didn’t hide his frustration after Real Madrid lost 2-1 at Osasuna on Saturday. The defeat wasn’t just a bump; it let points slip away in the LaLiga title race. “We can play much better,” he admitted.

Osasuna struck first. Ante Budimir scored from the penalty spot before halftime at El Sadar. Madrid looked flat for most of the match, but Vinícius Júnior pulled them level in the 73rd minute with his fifth goal in just four games. Even then, the comeback didn’t last. In the very last minute, Raúl García pulled off a brilliant solo goal, slicing through defenders and beating Thibaut Courtois. The flag went up for offside, but after a VAR check, the goal stood. That gave Osasuna their first home win over Madrid in 15 years.

Arbeloa summed it up simply: “It wasn’t a good game for us.” He didn’t make excuses, but he did mention the tough schedule. “It’s not easy playing midweek and then again on Sunday, but that’s what’s expected here. This is Real Madrid. We knew coming here wouldn’t be easy.”

Madrid had arrived in Pamplona on a hot streak of four straight wins against Rayo Vallecano, Valencia, Real Sociedad, and Benfica. Even so, Arbeloa saw clear problems: “Nobody wants to lose, obviously. But it’s a long season; there’s still a lot to play. In the first half, we controlled things, but we played too slowly. We have to move the ball quicker.”

He pointed out that Madrid’s attack got too predictable. “We’re doing a lot down the left, but we need to use the other side too. If we don’t, we’re too easy to defend.”

Looking back at their midweek win over Benfica, Arbeloa knew they fell short this time. “We did well last Tuesday, but today it wasn’t so easy. We’ve got a lot to improve. When we’re not at 100%, any team can beat us. We know that.”

Arbeloa also addressed questions about Kylian Mbappé, who’s been dealing with a knee issue. “He rested last week and didn’t play against La Real,” Arbeloa said. “When we think he’s not ready, we won’t risk him. That’s a decision we make together with the doctors and Kylian himself. But he didn’t play last week.”

For Osasuna, the win meant everything. Raúl García, the match-winner, was still buzzing after the final whistle. “It’s an incredible feeling,” he told DAZN. “We hadn’t beaten Madrid here for 15 years. The team played great. That goal – it’s a move I use a lot. I’ve scored a few like that in the second division.”

Real Madrid’s manager, Alvaro Arbeloa, talked about how the team’s been getting better lately and singled out Trent Alexander-Arnold for making a real difference since coming back from injury. On Saturday, Madrid has a shot to push their lead over Barcelona to five points at the top of La Liga. They’re also on track for the Champions League Round of 16.

Most reporters wanted to talk about the Prestianni-Vinicius situation, but in Madrid, the real buzz is about how much the team’s improved after a strong showing in Lisbon. Under Arbeloa, Madrid have won all five of their league matches.

“We want to keep growing, together and as individuals,” Arbeloa said. “When you first arrive, you spend time getting to know the players, figuring out what clicks. We’re focused on making sure everyone contributes, not just the starting eleven. All the good things you’re seeing come from the work of all 25 guys.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold keeps getting praise, too. Since coming back, he’s started twice in a row and looks more assured on Madrid’s right side.

“You can see it in the way he passes, his accuracy. He barely needs space or time. He gives the forwards an edge, making guys like Mbappé and Vini run. After his injury, he’s come back in great shape. That’s not easy. He fits perfectly with what we need. I’m really happy for him.”

As for who’s playing at centre-back against Osasuna, Arbeloa didn’t give much away.

“We’ve got five top centre-backs, and I hope Militao’s back soon. I’m glad to have almost everyone fit. We’ll watch how they train today, then make the call.”

Then there’s Jude Bellingham. With Madrid’s midfield looking balanced against Benfica, people are already wondering how Bellingham fits in, though he’s still out for a few more weeks with a hamstring injury.

“If I had to give up my arm to get Jude healthy by tomorrow, I’d do it,” Arbeloa said. “He’s a leader, one of the best around. What really makes me proud is how the team’s stepping up without him. That says a lot about this group. If I could give him a magic potion to speed up recovery, I’d do it. I have zero doubts about him, actually. It’s the opposite.”