Real Madrid kicked off their 2025–26 La Liga campaign with a gritty 1-0 win over Osasuna, thanks to a second-half penalty from Kylian Mbappé—the decisive moment in a match marked by defensive rigidity and managerial debut nerves.
A Tight Start for Xabi Alonso’s Reign
In his first league outing as head coach, Xabi Alonso was handed a challenging test by Osasuna, who put up a disciplined, low-block setup that stifled Real’s early rhythm and creativity.
Mbappé Makes the Difference
Breaking the deadlock in the 51st minute, Mbappé showcased his individual brilliance—driving into the box, drawing a foul, and confidently converting the resulting penalty into the bottom right corner.
Struggle to Find a Second
Despite dominating possession and creating openings—highlighted by efforts from Arda Güler and debutant Franco Mastantuono—the home side couldn’t extend their lead. Their attempts were often met by stubborn resistance from a well-organized Osasuna defense.
Key Performances and Rising Stars
- Kylian Mbappé stood out with a stellar performance, earning an impressive 9/10 rating for his decisive role and sustained threat; he succeeded in eight dribbles.
- Defensive rock: Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras each netted an 8.5 for composure and influence on both ends of the pitch.
- Emerging talents: Franco Mastantuono, making his La Liga bow, impressed with his sharp passing and composure. Arda Güler also showed glimpses of control in midfield, meanwhile Fede Valverde delivered a crucial defensive moment late in the game.
Late Drama
Osasuna’s Abel Bretones received a straight red card in stoppage time for a high arm toward Gonzalo García—adding a dramatic twist to an otherwise measured finish.
Historic Continuity
The win extends Real Madrid’s unbeaten start to a league season to 17 consecutive campaigns dating back to 2008—an often underappreciated milestone that continues to underscore their consistency.
What’s Next?
This opening fixture sets a cautious yet promising tone for Alonso’s new era. With opportunities to refine their attacking cohesion while building upon an already-strong defensive foundation, Real Madrid now turn their focus to their next opponent as they look to build momentum—and perhaps find more polish in attack.
In summary: a winning start under the new regime, sparked by Mbappé’s brilliance, bolstered by resolute defense and youthful spark, but marked by creative limitations that Alonso will want to address moving forward.
