Transcript: Alvaro Arbeloa Looks to Future After Real Madrid's Loss to Osasuna

Pamplona—Real Madrid’s unbeaten start to the 2026 La Liga campaign ended in dramatic fashion at El Sadar, where Osasuna struck a late winner to seal a 2-1 victory and open the door for Barcelona to reclaim top spot. Speaking to the media minutes after the final whistle, head coach Alvaro Arbeloa refused to hide behind the scoreline, instead using it as a candid audit of his squad’s early-season flaws.

Arbeloa conceded he “slightly” agreed with the match-deciding penalty award and praised Osasuna’s ruthless edge: “The two times they shot on goal, they scored two goals.” Yet his chief concern lay closer to home. “We can give and have much more quality,” he said. “We need to play much better, with more intensity. This is Real Madrid.”

The 43-year-old tactician dissected Madrid’s attacking imbalance, noting an over-reliance on the left flank that allowed Osasuna to compress space and defend in comfort. “Either you move the ball much faster, or they will defend you very easily,” he warned, adding that greater speed and width are non-negotiable against upcoming low-block opponents.

Despite the setback, Arbeloa struck a resolute tone when asked about the wider title picture. “There are many games left, and we have a lot of room for improvement,” he stressed. “When you’re not at 100%, anyone can beat you. We are aware of that.” He also batted away suggestions that defeat would dent morale ahead of Wednesday’s pivotal Champions League playoff second leg against Benfica. “What cannot arise are doubts,” he insisted. “I still have great faith in my players.”

With the season barely a quarter completed, the former Madrid full-back demanded immediate response. “We are playing for everything again in four days,” he reminded his squad. “A team shows its strengths when difficulties arise.”

Real Madrid now travel to Lisbon with the knowledge that their path to both domestic and European glory requires rapid refinement—starting with the intensity and tactical variety Arbeloa believes have been missing since the opening kickoff of 2026.