Real Madrid started the La Liga season with a win under their new coach, Xabi Alonso. Madrid beat Osasuna 1-0 in a match played at the Santiago Bernabeu. The score may not have been big, but this win means a lot to the fans as the team is embarking on a new journey.
Pre-match atmosphere
Last season was not good for Real Madrid. The team could not win any major title, and Barcelona won the league. Madrid’s journey in the Champions League and Copa del Rey also ended early.
For this reason, Xabi Alonso was made the coach before this season. Alonso has already won many titles for Real Madrid as a player, and now his job is to take the team to the top again. The team underwent significant changes in the summer. Trent Alexander-Arnold came from Liverpool, Dean Huijsen was included in the defense, but star players like Jude Bellingham and Kamavinga were not available in this match due to injuries.
So the fans were also curious about which players the coach would give a chance in the Real Madrid vs Osasuna lineups.
Complete grip in the first half
Real Madrid completely controlled the game in the first half. The possession statistics clearly show that Madrid had 79% and Osasuna only 21%. Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe were constantly attacking, but Osasuna’s defense remained strong.
Madrid took nine shots, while Osasuna was limited to just one shot. But the goal did not come. This is why the score remained 0-0 till the break. Examining Real Madrid vs Osasuna stats reveals Madrid’s dominance in passing and attacking.
Mbappe became the Hero.
The most important moment of the match finally came in the second half. Alonso had decided before the start of the season that Mbappe would be the team’s penalty taker. When he got the penalty, the French striker put the ball in the net without making any mistake and made the score 1-0.
This was not just a goal, but also a victory of Alonso’s decision. This indicated to the fans that now Mbappe will be the most important player on the team.
Osasuna’s strict defense
Even after conceding the goal, Osasuna did not give up. They made some quick counterattacks, but Carvalhal and new player Huijsen performed well in defense. Madrid’s backline showed strength and finished the match with a clean sheet.
Meaning of the result
Real Madrid vs Osasuna results show only 1-0, but the real meaning is much more than this. This was Alonso’s first La Liga match, and he started with a win. The team did not look fully ready yet, but it seemed to be moving in a positive direction.
The midfield will be strengthened with the return of Bellingham and Camavinga in the upcoming matches. Vinicius Junior also needs to find his rhythm again to support Mbappe.
Real Madrid vs Osasuna prediction and way forward
Before the match, most experts had predicted Real Madrid to win comfortably. However, in reality, the match was tough and the victory came only through penalties.
Fans who want to watch Real Madrid vs Osasuna live can do so on DAZN. Those who missed the match can watch Real Madrid vs Osasuna highlights.
Madrid will face even bigger challenges in the coming weeks. The real test will come when the team faces strong opponents like Barcelona and Atletico. For now, this 1-0 win gives confidence to both the team and the fans.
My name is Farhad Dawar and I am graduate of the Institute of Media and Communication Studies Bahaddin Zakariya University Multan Pakistan. I’m passionate about journalism and media, and I believe in journalism of courage, uncovering the truth, and shaping the future.