Real Madrid missed the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of La Liga after being held to a 1-1 draw by Osasuna at Estadio El Sadar.
The match was marred by Jude Bellingham’s controversial red card in the 39th minute for foul and abusive language directed at referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero.
Kylian Mbappe had given Los Blancos an early lead, finishing expertly from Federico Valverde’s precise cross to notch his 17th league goal of the season.
However, the game took a turn when Bellingham was sent off, reducing Real to 10 men before halftime.
Osasuna capitalized on their numerical advantage in the second half, winning a penalty in the 58th minute after Eduardo Camavinga was penalized for a foul on Ante Budimir.
The Croatian forward made no mistake from the spot, securing a valuable point for the hosts.
After the match, Bellingham insisted he had been expressing his frustration and not insulting the referee.
“It’s difficult when a referee isn’t sure, to determine that I’ve said something that I haven’t, and as a result it kind of hinders the team,” he said.
“I think you can see clearly in the video… I remember the incident very well, it was an expression to myself.
“I’m not even directing myself towards the referee, but obviously there was a misunderstanding. He’s believed that I’ve said [something insulting] to him.
“There was no intent to insult him, there was no insult, and for that reason I think you can see there was a misunderstanding.”
In a post-match news conference boss Carlo Ancelotti explained, in Spanish except for English swearing, that Bellingham did use an expletive, but it was not aimed at the official.
“I think with Bellingham’s red card [the referee] didn’t understand the English well. I don’t think it’s something offensive,” Ancelotti added.
“I think the red card came out because the referee was nervous. Bellingham did nothing today to have been sent off, absolutely nothing.”
As the second half wore on, 10-man Real continued to push for a winner, but Mbappe wasted an opportunity to find Vinicius Jr in acres of space in the Osasuna box.
The Brazil forward carved out a chance to fire Real back in front with 15 minutes remaining, dribbling past two defenders in the area before his effort was headed off the line by Alejandro Catena.
Vinicius also dug out a back-post cross with 10 minutes remaining but Luka Modric could not direct his side-foot volley on target.
Atletico Madrid, who are two points behind Real, will go top if they win against Celta Vigo later on Saturday.
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona will also leapfrog Real on goal difference if they beat Rayo Vallecano on Monday night.
