Real Madrid play draw with Osasuna, Bellingham sent off

The Italian made a few rotations with the midweek Champions League play-off second leg clash against Manchester City in mind, with Rodrygo resting and Brahim Diaz given a rare start.

Los Blancos controlled the game from the off, moving the ball around too quickly for Osasuna to get a foothold.

Vinicius appealed for an early penalty when Alejandro Catena slid in to dispossess him and the ball struck the defender’s arm.

The Brazilian winger should have put the champions ahead when Mbappe crossed for him, but misjudged the flight of the ball and headed wide from close range.

Madrid did not have to wait long for their opener and Fede Valverde created it with a low cross for Mbappe, who produced a clinical finish.

It was the in-form French forward’s seventh goal in his last five La Liga matches.

Osasuna threatened just once in the first half, with a low drive from Aimar Oroz, which Thibaut Courtois superbly pushed to safety.

– Bellingham blow –

Vinicius spurned another golden opportunity when Mbappe teed him up, before Bellingham was dismissed in the 39th minute.

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The England international exchanged words with referee Jose Munuera Montero, who then reached for his red card.

Ancelotti said Bellingham should not have been dismissed.

“I think with Bellingham’s red card (the referee) didn’t understand the English well… I don’t think it’s something offensive,” Ancelotti told reporters.

“I think the red card came out because the referee was nervous… Bellingham did nothing today to have been sent off, absolutely nothing.”

Madrid have complained heavily about Spanish refereeing in recent weeks, labelling it “rigged” and they grew further frustrated with Munuera Montero in the second half.

Osasuna levelled before the hour mark through Budimir from the spot after Eduardo Camavinga was late on the Croatian striker.

Budimir had already shot wide of the post when the French midfielder clattered into the forward, similar to the penalty Aurelien Tchouameni conceded in Madrid’s derby draw with Atletico Madrid last weekend.

Budimir’s penalty was his 13th goal of the season, behind only Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski and Mbappe, on 17, in the standings.

Mbappe came close to scoring a second but fired narrowly over and Vinicius had an effort deflected wide after a dangerous incursion from the left.

Madrid pushed for a winner despite their numerical disadvantage, knowing their title rivals are breathing down their necks.

Mbappe had one last chance in stoppage time but Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera palmed away his effort with a strong hand.