Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham received a red card, hindering the team’s opportunity to extend their lead to four points at the top of La Liga during a disappointing draw with Osasuna.
The England midfielder, who netted Real’s decisive goal against Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday, received a straight red card in the 39th minute for using foul and abusive language directed at referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero.
Bellingham’s sole prior expulsion while playing for Real occurred after the match concluded in a 2-2 stalemate against Valencia in March 2024, where he was shown a second yellow card for expressing his discontent to the referee.
In a thrilling encounter at Estadio El Sadar, France forward Kylian Mbappe put Real in front, expertly connecting with Federico Valverde’s precise cross to net his 17th league goal.
In the 58th minute, Osasuna had a crucial opportunity when Eduardo Camavinga was deemed to have committed a foul on Ante Budimir inside the penalty area. The home striker seized the chance, successfully converting the penalty to level the score.
Following the match, Bellingham clarified that his remarks reflected his frustration rather than an insult directed at the referee.
“When a referee is uncertain, it becomes challenging to ascertain whether I’ve made a statement that I haven’t, which ultimately hampers the team’s performance,” he stated.
“The video provides a clear perspective…” The incident remains vivid in my memory; it profoundly expressed my inner self.
“I am not directing my comments towards the referee, but it is clear that there was a misunderstanding.” It is believed that I have made a remark deemed insulting towards him.
“The lack of intent to offend is clear, as no insult was made. This suggests that a misunderstanding has occurred.”
Manager Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media during a post-match news conference, speaking primarily in Spanish with occasional English expletives. He clarified that while Jude Bellingham used profanity, it was not directed at the referee.
“The referee may have misinterpreted the situation surrounding Bellingham’s red card, possibly due to a language barrier.” “I don’t believe it’s something offensive,” Ancelotti stated.
“The issuance of the red card appears to stem from the referee’s apparent nervousness.” Bellingham’s actions today did not warrant a red card; he did nothing to deserve such a punishment.
In the match’s latter stages, Real Madrid, reduced to ten men, pressed on in search of a decisive goal. However, Kylian Mbappe squandered a chance to connect with Vinicius Jr, who was positioned in a vast expanse of space within the Osasuna penalty area.
With 15 minutes left on the clock, the Brazil forward created an opportunity to put Real back in the lead, skilfully manoeuvring past two defenders in the box, only for his shot to be cleared off the line by Alejandro Catena.
With just 10 minutes left in the match, Vinicius delivered a well-placed back-post cross, yet Luka Modric could not steer his side-foot volley on target.
Atletico Madrid, currently trailing Real by two points, can ascend to the top of the standings with a victory over Celta Vigo later on Saturday.
If Hansi Flick’s Barcelona wins against Rayo Vallecano on Monday night, they will surpass Real Madrid in the standings based on goal difference.
