Real Madrid vs Osasuna Timeline: Mbappé Penalty Seals 1–0 Win in La Liga 2025/26 Opener
Real Madrid vs Osasuna La Liga 2025/26 result: A second-half penalty from Kylian Mbappé gave Real Madrid a narrow 1–0 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu in their season opener. The match marked Xabi Alonso’s official La Liga debut as head coach, with new signings Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Álvaro Carreras all featuring.
Pre-Match Build-Up
- Real Madrid entered the clash missing key players: Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy, Endrick (injuries) and Antonio Rüdiger (suspension).
- Xabi Alonso handed starts to debutants Huijsen and Carreras, while Fede Valverde returned to captain the side.
- Franco Mastantuono, the highly rated 18-year-old Argentine, awaited his debut from the bench.
- Osasuna, led by new coach Alessio Lisci, set up with a defensive back five, aiming to frustrate Madrid and hit on the counter through Ante Budimir.
First Half: Control Without Cutting Edge
Madrid dominated possession, pressing high and recovering the ball quickly. The tempo shift under Alonso was clear, but clear chances were limited:
- Mbappé saw a sharp snapshot saved.
- Vinícius Jr. created two openings but lacked the finishing touch.
- Madrid had two penalty shouts denied before the break.
Halftime: Real Madrid 0–0 Osasuna.
Second Half: Mbappé Makes the Difference
- 50’ – Penalty awarded: Mbappé drove into the box and drew a foul, sparking controversy as Osasuna players protested.
- Mbappé converted from the spot with confidence, scoring his first official La Liga goal for Madrid.
Arda Güler nearly doubled the lead minutes later, but his effort went wide. Madrid continued to control the game without creating many clear-cut chances.
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Late Drama: Red Card and Debutants Shine
- Osasuna had a golden chance late on, but their shot flew over Courtois’ bar.
- A late red card for Osasuna reduced them to 10 men, ending hopes of a comeback.
- Mastantuono made his debut, impressing with confidence, demanding the ball, and delivering a dangerous corner.
Full-time: Real Madrid 1–0 Osasuna.
Player Standouts
- Mbappé (9/10): Won and scored the decisive penalty, completed 8 dribbles, carried Madrid’s attack.
- Dean Huijsen (8.5/10): Composed at the back, completed 16/17 long passes.
- Álvaro Carreras (8.5/10): Tireless two-way display, strong defensively and in attack.
- Mastantuono (8/10): Confident cameo debut, linking play and taking on defenders.
- Valverde (7/10): Provided leadership and a crucial defensive challenge late on.
Historical Context: Head-to-Head
According to Sports Mole, Real Madrid and Osasuna have now met 97 times:
- Madrid wins: 64
- Draws: 20
- Osasuna wins: 13
Osasuna’s last away win at the Bernabéu came in 2004, and they haven’t beaten Madrid in any competition since 2011.
What It Means
- Madrid: A solid start to the Xabi Alonso era. Despite missing key players, the team showed structure, pressing intensity, and defensive resilience. Alonso’s system already shows signs of evolution.
- Osasuna: Brave but blunt. Their defensive block frustrated Madrid at times, but the attacking threat was minimal. They extended their 13-year winless run against Los Blancos.
Final Score: Real Madrid 1–0 Osasuna
⚽ Mbappé (pen 50’)
