Álvaro Arbeloa said Real Madrid “can play much better” after a 2-1 defeat to Osasuna on Saturday that cost them points in the LaLiga title race. Speaking after the match, Arbeloa acknowledged that the result and the overall performance fell short of the club’s expectations and standards, stressing that the team would need to respond quickly and improve in the coming weeks.
Arbeloa, a former Real Madrid defender and now part of the club’s coaching structure, focused on the need for a stronger collective display rather than isolating individual errors. He pointed to moments in the match when Real Madrid struggled to control the tempo and impose their usual rhythm, allowing Osasuna to grow in confidence and create problems. The defeat, he suggested, was as much about intensity and concentration as it was about tactics.
The loss came at an important stage of the season, with Real Madrid involved in a tight battle at the top of LaLiga. Dropped points in away fixtures can carry significant weight in the final standings, and Arbeloa recognised the importance of reacting positively to setbacks of this kind. He underlined that the squad has the quality and experience to adjust, learn from the performance, and raise its level.
Despite the disappointment, Arbeloa avoided alarmist language and instead framed the result as a warning sign and an opportunity for self-criticism. He noted that Real Madrid’s expectations are always high, regardless of the opponent or venue, and that the team must find greater consistency across 90 minutes. That includes sharper defending in key phases, more composure in possession, and better decision-making in the final third.
He also highlighted the demands of competing in LaLiga, where visiting traditionally difficult stadiums such as Osasuna’s often tests a team’s resolve. Arbeloa maintained that Real Madrid will review the match in detail, work on specific corrections in training, and aim to show a more complete performance in their next league outing. For him, the priority is to translate the squad’s potential into more convincing displays, ensuring that results align with the club’s ambitions in the title race.
While the defeat was a setback, Arbeloa reiterated his belief that Real Madrid can reach a higher level. He stressed that acknowledging the need for improvement is the first step toward a stronger response on the pitch, and that the team remains focused on competing for the LaLiga title over the long season ahead.
