Real Madrid Midfielder Holds Himself Accountable for Osasuna Defeat: ‘I Take Responsibility’

Pamplona—Real Madrid left El Sadar with nothing to show for their efforts after a dramatic late collapse saw them fall 2-1 to Osasuna, a result that keeps the La Liga title race wide open and hands Barcelona the initiative. The visitors clawed their way back into the contest through Vinicius Jr.’s 73rd-minute strike, but a single lapse in the 89th minute proved fatal.

Pressured inside his own third, substitute Dani Ceballos mishit a pass straight to an Osasuna shirt. The hosts pounced instantly, carving open Madrid’s scrambling defense and burying the winner seconds later. The goal, born of Ceballos’ turnover, sealed a defeat that leaves Los Blancos reflecting on more than just a lost three points.

Within hours of the final whistle, the 26-year-old Spaniard took to Instagram to shoulder the blame. “I take responsibility,” he wrote, accompanying the message with a gesture asking supporters for forgiveness. His public mea culpa underlines a mature acceptance of accountability, the type of leadership Madrid will need if they are to bounce back quickly.

Yet the loss cannot be laid solely at Ceballos’ feet. Osasuna dominated large stretches, created the clearer chances, and led from the spot in the first half before Madrid’s belated response. For a squad of Madrid’s pedigree, the contest arguably should never have hinged on a single wayward pass in the dying moments.

Attention now turns to midweek, when a pivotal UEFA Champions League fixture looms. Manager Álvaro Arbeloa and his staff must regroup, address the side’s struggles against high pressing, and restore confidence across the squad—Dani Ceballos included.

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