Real Madrid began their new La Liga campaign with a narrow but vital 1-0 victory over Osasuna on Tuesday evening, thanks to a decisive penalty from Kylian Mbappé. The win also gave Xabi Alonso a positive start in his first league match as head coach of Los Blancos.
A Tight Opening Game at the Santiago Bernabéu
Real Madrid dominated possession in the first half but found it difficult to break down Osasuna’s organised and resilient defence.
Most of Madrid’s chances before the break came from long-range efforts, including a powerful strike from Éder Militão that was well saved by goalkeeper Sergio Herrera.
Despite slick passing and movement, the hosts lacked the cutting edge needed to open the scoring in the first 45 minutes.
Mbappé Steps Up With the Winner
The breakthrough came early in the second half when:
Juan Cruz fouled Mbappé inside the box, leading to a penalty.
Mbappé confidently converted from the spot in the 51st minute, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
The French forward’s strike proved to be the only goal of the game, despite Real pushing hard for a second.
Speaking after the match, Mbappé told Real Madrid TV:
“In the first half we didn’t have space. In the second half we scored early, controlled the game and had chances. We expected the second goal, but it didn’t come.”
Osasuna Hold On Despite Red Card
Osasuna were forced to open up slightly after conceding but remained difficult to break down.
Real’s Arda Güler came close to doubling the lead with a long-range strike that went just over the bar.
Late in stoppage time, Osasuna’s Abel Bretones was shown a red card for an off-the-ball foul on Gonzalo García, ending any hopes of a comeback.
The visitors’ best chance came through Ante Budimir, who missed a close-range header that could have levelled the score.
Debut for Franco Mastantuono
Alonso handed a debut to 18-year-old Argentinian midfielder Franco Mastantuono, who nearly scored minutes after coming on.
Mastantuono’s strike from a tight angle was well blocked by Herrera.
The youngster showed promise and was one of several new faces featured, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Álvaro Carreras, all starting in defence.
Alonso’s First Test Passed
This victory was particularly important for Xabi Alonso, as:
Real Madrid were coming off a 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-final, raising pressure on the squad.
Several key players, including Jude Bellingham, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, Endrick, and Antonio Rüdiger (suspended), were unavailable.
With rivals Barcelona cruising to a 3-0 win over Mallorca in their opener, Madrid needed three points to keep pace.
Mbappé summed up the team’s mood after the match:
“It was important for us to start with a win at home. Osasuna had a clear plan, but we stayed focused. We are happy with the victory and we are going for more.”
Key Takeaways
Result: Real Madrid 1–0 Osasuna
Goalscorer: Kylian Mbappé (51’ penalty)
Red Card: Abel Bretones (Osasuna, stoppage time)
Manager’s Debut: Xabi Alonso starts La Liga with a win
Next Challenge: Madrid will aim to build momentum and keep pressure on Barcelona at the top of the table.
Final Word
Real Madrid may not have delivered a dazzling performance, but this hard-fought victory was crucial. Mbappé’s composure from the penalty spot and Alonso’s winning start offer plenty of encouragement for fans. With several key players still to return, Los Blancos will hope to grow stronger as the season progresses.
Sources: Real Madrid TV, La Liga Official Reports, Post-Match Coverage
For Health & Fitness Products, Click => http://tinyurl.com/5n872ptd