Real Madrid began their 2025-26 LaLiga campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu. The match marked the official league debut for new coach Xabi Alonso, and while the result was a winning one, the performance offered a mix of promising signs and areas for improvement. Osasuna’s disciplined and defensive approach proved a tough nut to crack for the home side, who ultimately relied on a second-half penalty from star signing Kylian Mbappé to secure the three points.
Key Moments of the Game
- First Half Frustration: Real Madrid dominated possession from the outset, with over 70% of the ball, but struggled to break down a well-organized Osasuna defense. The visitors, under new manager Alessio Lisci, sat deep with a five-man backline, limiting the space for Madrid’s attackers. Despite several attempts from distance, including a notable shot from new defender Dean Huijsen, the Blancos were unable to find a clear-cut chance and went into the break with the score tied at 0-0.
- The Decisive Penalty: The deadlock was finally broken in the 51st minute. Kylian Mbappé, looking lively in his second season, made a clever run into the box. Osasuna defender Juan Cruz’s clumsy tackle brought the Frenchman down, and the referee immediately pointed to the spot. Mbappé confidently stepped up and slotted the penalty low to the goalkeeper’s right, securing the game’s only goal.
- Late Drama and Red Card: As the game neared its conclusion, Osasuna, now needing an equalizer, began to open up more. However, they were unable to create any significant threats. In stoppage time, Osasuna’s Abel Bretones was shown a straight red card for an off-the-ball incident involving an arm to the face of Real Madrid’s Gonzalo García, leaving his side to finish the match with 10 men.
Coach Tactics
Xabi Alonso’s tactical approach was a central theme of the match. With key players like Jude Bellingham sidelined by injury and a limited pre-season due to the Club World Cup, Alonso deployed a flexible formation, starting with a 4-3-3 that often shifted to a 3-5-2. The new coach’s emphasis on defensive stability was evident, as Real Madrid conceded only two shots throughout the entire match.
However, Alonso himself admitted that his team lacked a bit of “composure in the final third” and struggled to create chances against Osasuna’s low block. The team’s reliance on individual brilliance from players like Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. to unlock the defense was clear. New signings such as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Álvaro Carreras started the match, and while they didn’t have spectacular debuts, they showed a solid understanding of Alonso’s system. The introduction of teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono in the second half brought fresh energy and a glimpse of the attacking future for the club.
Stats and Player Performances
- Possession: Real Madrid dominated with 70% possession, highlighting their control of the game, but also their difficulty in translating that possession into goals.
- Shots: The home side had a total of 18 shots, with 5 on target, while Osasuna managed only 2 shots, with none on target. This stark contrast in attacking output underscores Real Madrid’s dominance and Osasuna’s defensive strategy.
- Corners: Real Madrid had 7 corners to Osasuna’s 0.
- Expected Goals (xG): Real Madrid’s xG was 1.685, while Osasuna’s was a mere 0.19, further illustrating the one-sided nature of the attacking threats.
Man of the Match
While Kylian Mbappé scored the winning goal, many reports and statistical analyses point to Dean Huijsen as a standout performer and a potential Man of the Match. The young defender, making his competitive debut for Real Madrid, was a rock in the backline. He was strong on the ball, had a high passing success rate, made several crucial clearances, and even contributed to the attack with a long-range shot that tested the goalkeeper. His assured and mature performance belied his age and marked a highly impressive start to his Real Madrid career. Mbappé, of course, was the match-winner and proved his worth yet again with his decisive action in the box.
