Real Madrid 2025–26 Season Match Details and La Liga Standings

The 2025–26 season marks Real Madrid’s 122nd year in existence and their 95th consecutive season in the top flight of Spanish football. This campaign is notably the first since 2011–12 without Luka Modrić and the first since 2014–15 without Lucas Vázquez, both of whom departed as free agents. The season has also seen significant managerial changes: after Carlo Ancelotti's departure, Xabi Alonso took over in June 2025, but he parted ways with the club by mutual agreement on January 12, 2026, leading to the appointment of Álvaro Arbeloa as the new head coach.Match Summary: Osasuna 2–1 Real Madrid (February 21, 2026)In a critical Matchday 25 encounter at El Sadar, Real Madrid suffered a disappointing 2–1 defeat against Osasuna. Despite entering the match as league leaders, Arbeloa’s side struggled with defensive lapses that ultimately cost them the game.• First Half: Osasuna dominated early chances, with Ante Budimir hitting the post before earning a penalty following a VAR review for a foul by Thibaut Courtois. Budimir converted the spot-kick in the 38th minute to give the hosts a 1–0 lead.• Second Half: Madrid improved after the hour mark. In the 73rd minute, Federico Valverde made a brilliant run and provided a cross for Vinícius Júnior, who equalized from close range.• The Winner: As Madrid pushed for a signature comeback, Osasuna struck again in the 92nd minute. Raúl García scored the winning goal with a right-footed shot, assisted by Raúl Moro, following a defensive error by Raúl Asencio.Player Performances and TacticsThe match featured a "defensive disasterclass" from young center-back Raúl Asencio, who was criticized for his role in both Osasuna goals. Vinícius Júnior was Madrid's standout attacker, scoring his fifth goal in four matches, while Federico Valverde was hailed as the best performer in midfield for his tireless energy and assist.The starting lineup for the match was:• Goalkeeper: Courtois• Defense: Carvajal (C), Asencio, Alaba, Carreras• Midfield: Tchouaméni, Valverde, Camavinga, Güler• Attack: Mbappé, Vinícius JúniorDavid Alaba made his first league start since October, filling in for Dean Huijsen, who was sidelined with a late muscle injury. Trent Alexander-Arnold began the match on the bench, likely rested for the upcoming Champions League clash with Benfica.Injury and Suspension StatusReal Madrid faced this match without several key players:• Jude Bellingham: Sidelined with a hamstring injury since February 2.• Rodrygo: Out with tendonitis since February 6.• Éder Militão: Still recovering from a long-term muscle injury sustained in December.• Dean Huijsen: Recently added to the injury list with a muscle problem.League Standing and OutlookFollowing the defeat, Real Madrid remains at the top of La Liga with 60 points after 25 matches. However, their lead is precarious, as Barcelona sits in second place with 58 points and a game in hand. A Barcelona victory in their next match against Levante could see Madrid lose their position at the top of the table.Real Madrid must now refocus on the UEFA Champions League, where they are set to face Benfica in the second leg of the knockout phase play-offs on February 25, holding a narrow 1–0 lead from the first leg.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/champions-network--6884663/support.