Eight Years Back: Arbeloa Brings Madrid's Old Wounds to the Surface

Match recap

Real Madrid tumbled eight years back with a 2-1 defeat to Osasuna on Saturday, in La Liga's 25th round.

The result opens a door for Barcelona to reclaim top spot when they visit Levante on Sunday, leaving Madrid on 60 points, two behind their fierce rivals.

Álvaro Arbeloa, Madrid's interim coach, continues a wobbly spell since taking over from Xabi Alonso, reviving memories of one of the club's tougher spells.

He already ranks as the second Madrid boss in the 21st century to lose three of his first ten games, after Julen Lopetegui did so in 2018, according to stats-foot.

Arbeloa's start was brutal: a 3-2 Copa del Rey exit at Alavés that dumped Madrid out to a second-division foe.

Then came a tougher blow: a 4-2 loss to Benfica at the end of the Champions League group stage that forced Madrid into a knockout playoff against the same Portuguese club, before today's setback to Osasuna (2-1) in La Liga.

Impact and context

Seasoned observers note Madrid's vulnerability could jolt the title race, especially as Barca remains in reach. If Madrid rebound, the next few fixtures will reveal whether Arbeloa can steady the ship or if more seasickness awaits.

So far, Arbeloa's start has been bumpy, and Madrid will need a rapid revision to keep pace with Barca.

Punchlines: if defending were a fashion, Madrid would still be wearing last season's kit.

The ball is a comedian, and it keeps telling Madrid to 'defend with your head, not your feet.'