No Mettle | 22 February 2026

· Yahoo Sports

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Real Madrid missed a chance to go 5 points clear of eternal rivals. They also missed an opportunity to successfully manage a difficult away game. These are the kinds of games you have to find a way to win. Real Madrid played a confused game for long stretches.

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Arbeloa was overconfident going to Osasuna. In the end the scoreline flattered the Blancos. This game was typical of the team’s attitude this season. The team appears genuinely lacking in intelligence in these games. There was nothing done to fix the problems of the first half. If anything Osasuna were reserved knowing they would get at least a point out the game.

Arbeloa Couldn’t Blame Himself

The manager can only do so much. He picks the XI and they figure out how to do the job out there. Everything else has been done in training before the game. Now he’s gotta go stroke some egos and hope the next game works out.

We need to move the ball faster. Sure. Maybe we should also try to pretend to know the opponent carries a threat? That might be something to look at before the next match.
I won’t be too hard on Arbeloa. I’m not sure he’s doing much.

Difficult To Watch

I could not tell what Real Madrid were trying to do for the entire first half. It’s been a difficult season to watch. Even more difficult given the awful 2024/25 season.

Joy Cometh in the Morning

Ceballos suddenly gets injured after drawing ire from fans following his contribution to Osasuna’s late winner.

Conflict Resolution

Ancelotti cultivated the art of managing players. While his approach has its flaws. Some may argue too many flaws. The Italian legend was able to achieve great outcomes where many would have been struggling for perfection instead. The respect afforded him was due to his longevity and success in the game but also his approach to players as people and not merely staff members on the clock. This is not to say other managers do not try this but that Carlo has a way that’s not textbook per se.

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