The 2025/26 La Liga season kicks off for Real Madrid as they host Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu. This match is more than just a season opener; it’s a new chapter for Los Blancos under new head coach Xabi Alonso, and an opportunity for them to make a statement after a disappointing previous season.
Team News
Real Madrid: The home side will be without several key players due to injuries and a suspension. Jude Bellingham is sidelined until October after shoulder surgery. Eduardo Camavinga and Ferland Mendy are also out with injuries, while Endrick is nursing a hamstring problem. Antonio Rüdiger will serve a suspension carried over from last season. On the positive side, new signings Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Álvaro Carreras could all make their official La Liga debuts. Federico Valverde is expected to return to the starting lineup after recovering from a muscle strain.
Osasuna: Osasuna has a relatively fit squad heading into the match. They will be without forward Iker Benito due to an ankle injury. Rubén García is a doubt but could feature off the bench. New signing Valentin Rosier is expected to start at right-back.
Coach Tactics
Real Madrid (Xabi Alonso): Xabi Alonso is set to introduce a new tactical system, with reports suggesting a flexible formation that could start as a 4-3-3 and shift into a 3-5-2 or 4-4-2. The focus will be on combining defensive solidity with fluid attacking movements. With the arrival of Alexander-Arnold and other defensive reinforcements, Alonso will aim to build from the back and utilize the full-backs to provide width and creativity. A key challenge will be integrating superstars Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. into a cohesive attack.
Osasuna (Alessio Lisci): Osasuna, under new coach Alessio Lisci, will likely be tactically disciplined and physical. They are not expected to dominate possession but will look to be resilient and frustrate Real Madrid’s attack. Their main threat will come from their star striker, Ante Budimir, who had an excellent scoring record last season.
Probable Lineups
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni, Güler; Brahim Díaz, Mbappé, Vinícius Jr.
Osasuna (4-4-2): Herrera; Rosier, Catena, Boyomo, Bretones; Torró, Moncayola, Oroz, Moi Gómez; Barja, Budimir.
Player to Watch
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid): All eyes will be on the English right-back as he makes his La Liga debut. His attacking prowess and ability to create chances from deep will be a new dimension to Real Madrid’s play.
- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid): After a pre-season that saw him score and look sharp, the Frenchman will be eager to start his league campaign with a bang.
- Ante Budimir (Osasuna): The Croatian striker was a prolific goalscorer last season and will be the biggest threat to Real Madrid’s new-look defense.
Prediction
Despite the significant number of absences, Real Madrid’s squad depth and home advantage at the Bernabéu should be enough to secure a victory. Osasuna will be a tough opponent and could make it uncomfortable at times, but the individual quality of Real Madrid’s attack is likely to be too much.
Predicted Score: Real Madrid 3 – 0 Osasuna
