Real Madrid upset at Osasuna, loss ends hot streak and opens LaLiga door to rivals Barcelona
CBS Sports
by
Chuck Booth
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Real Madrid's 2-1 loss to Osasuna on Saturday marked a significant setback in their quest for LaLiga dominance. The defeat ended their nine-game unbeaten streak in the league, opening the door for rivals Barcelona to potentially take the top spot if they win their upcoming match against Levante. With this result, the title race has tightened, and Real Madrid now faces increased pressure as they prepare for their Champions League clash with Benfica later in the week.
Vinicius Junior's third consecutive goal proved insufficient for Real Madrid, as Osasuna capitalized on defensive errors to secure the win. Los Blancos struggled defensively, conceding 13 shots and a late penalty in the 92nd minute. Despite their recent dominance, such a loss highlights the fine margins in LaLiga and underscores the importance of maintaining consistency, especially with key matches on the horizon.
Barcelona's opportunity to go one point clear at the top of the table adds further stakes to the title race. With Real Madrid still holding a slim lead over Barcelona, their ability to bounce back from this loss will be crucial in determining their championship chances. Manager Alvaro Arbeloa faces a challenging task of steering his team through high-stakes fixtures, including the upcoming El Clásico against Barcelona on May 10.
The match also brought attention to external factors affecting Real Madrid's performance. Vinicius Junior was allegedly racially abused by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni ahead of their Champions League encounter, raising questions about how such incidents impact player focus and team dynamics. With the second leg against Benfica looming, Real Madrid will need to navigate both on-field challenges and off-the-pitch distractions.
Real Madrid's loss serves as a reminder that even the most dominant teams can falter when key points are dropped. As they look to extend their winning streak in the Champions League and LaLiga, the coming weeks will be critical in defining their season. The outcome of this match not only shifts the balance of power in LaLiga but also sets the stage for an intense period of competition across multiple fronts.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/21/2026