Real Madrid suffered a tragic defeat to Osasuna at El Sadar last night, dropping three points in La Liga and handing Barcelona a chance to go back on top less than a week after stealing the lead.

The result was not entirely surprising considering how Osasuna were dominant, created the better chances, and converted when it mattered.

They took the lead in the first-half through a penalty and entered the second period with a one-goal lead. Real Madrid, however, equalised through Vinicius Jr. in the 73rd minute and seemed set to take at least a draw back home when matters took a twist.

Ceballos’ error and apology

When the game was close to its end and the clock read 89 minutes, Real Madrid found themselves playing out from the back against Osasuna’s spirited press.

At that time, substitute Dani Ceballos miscued a pass under pressure, one that saw possession go directly to Osasuna who found openings and scored the winner seconds later.

The Spanish midfielder’s misplayed pass, in that sense, laid the foundation for the defeat and Ceballos has now come out on his social media to take responsibility for the result.

“I take responsibility,” he posted on his Instagram after the game with a gesture asking for fans’ forgiveness.

His reaction and decision to openly take responsibility show a lot of maturity on his part and is exactly the kind of leadership Real Madrid requires at this point. However, it is also true that the defeat was not completely down to his error.

For a team of Real Madrid’s quality, the scoreline should not have been so tight at that point in the game, nor should the team have been succumbing and struggling against Osasuna’s high press as they were.

With a big UEFA Champions League game coming up midweek, Alvaro Arbeloa and Co. will look to reset, reflect, and come back stronger – Ceballos included.