Álvaro Arbeloa acknowledged that Real Madrid “can perform much better” following their 2-1 loss to Osasuna on Saturday, which cost them valuable points in the LaLiga title race.
Ante Budimir gave the home team an early lead with a penalty in the first half at El Sadar, but Vinícius Júnior equalized in the 73rd minute, marking his fifth goal in four outings.
In a thrilling finish, Raúl García scored a stunning winner in the 90th minute, which was initially ruled offside but was later validated by VAR, providing Osasuna with their first home win over Madrid in 15 years.
“We didn’t play well today,” Arbeloa said in his post-match press conference.
“We have a lot more to give; we can play much better. It’s challenging to play midweek and then again on Sunday, but those are the expectations at Real Madrid. We knew it would be tough coming here.”
Prior to facing Osasuna, Madrid had been enjoying a strong run, winning four consecutive matches against Rayo Vallecano, Valencia, Real Sociedad, and Benfica.
“Of course, no one wants to lose,” Arbeloa remarked. “But it’s a long season with plenty of matches ahead. In the first half, we maintained good control, but we needed more pace in our game and to move the ball faster.
“We must keep improving and utilize our wings better. While we’ve focused a lot on the left, we also need to exploit the right side, or we become easier to defend against.”
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“We executed some good plays last Tuesday [against Benfica], but it wasn’t as straightforward today,” Arbeloa noted. “There’s significant room for us to grow, and when we’re not at our best, any team can defeat us, and we recognize that.”
The coach emphasized that Kylian Mbappé was fit enough to participate, as he continues to manage a knee issue.
“He had a rest last week and didn’t play against La Real,” Arbeloa explained. “If we believe he isn’t ready to play, we won’t take that risk. This isn’t a decision that I make alone; we consult with the medical team and Kylian. However, he didn’t feature last week.”
García’s dramatic game-winner, which saw him weave past defenders Raúl Asencio and Trent Alexander-Arnold before slotting it past Thibaut Courtois, ignited jubilant celebrations at El Sadar.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” the forward shared with DAZN. “We hadn’t beaten Real Madrid here for 15 years. The team played exceptionally well… [The goal] is a move I’ve practiced a lot. I’ve scored similar goals in the second division.”