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Arbeloa admits Real Madrid can 'play much better' after Osasuna loss

ESPN Soccer •
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Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa acknowledged his team 'can play much better' following a 2-1 defeat at Osasuna that derailed their LaLiga title charge. Ante Budimir opened scoring with a first-half penalty at El Sadar, before Vinícius Júnior equalized in the 73rd minute with his fifth goal in four appearances.

Raúl García then scored a dramatic 90th-minute winner - initially disallowed for offside before VAR intervention - securing Osasuna's first home victory over Madrid in 15 years. 'It wasn't a good game for us,' Arbeloa said in his post-match news conference. 'We can do a lot more, we can play much better.'

Madrid had entered the match riding four consecutive wins over Rayo Vallecano, Valencia, Real Sociedad, and Benfica. The coach noted his team lacked speed and movement in the first half, particularly on the right wing. Arbeloa also confirmed Kylian Mbappé was fit enough to play despite managing a knee problem, having rested him in the previous match against Real Sociedad.