The 2025–26 La Liga season has officially kicked off, and Real Madrid fans have a lot to smile about. Under their new coach, Xabi Alonso, Los Blancos registered a 1-0 win over Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu, a scoreline small in numbers but massive in meaning. This victory wasn’t just about three points; it symbolized the dawn of a new era for the most successful club in Europe.
Pre-Match Atmosphere: New Hopes, Fresh Beginnings
Last season was one to forget for Real Madrid. No major trophies, an early Champions League exit, and the heartbreak of seeing Barcelona lift the league title. The mood among Madridistas was tense, almost impatient.
That’s when the club made a bold move, appointing Xabi Alonso as head coach. A former Madrid legend and Champions League winner himself, Alonso’s appointment brought back memories of discipline, tactical intelligence, and pure passion for the badge.
This summer, Madrid reshaped its squad:
- Trent Alexander-Arnold joined Liverpool, bringing creativity and precision.
- Dean Huijsen was added to strengthen the backline.
- But key stars Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga were unavailable due to injuries, forcing Alonso to improvise with his starting eleven.
Fans eagerly awaited the lineup announcement, wondering how Alonso would balance youth, experience, and tactical adaptability.
From the very first whistle, it was clear this was Alonso’s Madrid. The team dominated possession with 79% ball control, compared to Osasuna’s 21%.
Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe continuously bombarded the opposition’s defense with sharp runs and quick exchanges. Trent’s crosses from the right kept Osasuna under pressure, but goalkeeper Sergio Herrera and his defenders stood tall.
Madrid took nine shots, while Osasuna managed just one, a clear sign of Madrid’s superiority. Yet, the scoreboard stubbornly read 0-0 at halftime.
The statistics may have favored Madrid, but goals win games, not possession. The Bernabeu crowd grew anxious, sensing that the team needed one clinical moment to convert dominance into victory.
Second Half: Mbappe Rises as the Hero
The breakthrough finally arrived in the second half, and it came from Kylian Mbappe.
Before the season began, Alonso had made a bold decision: Mbappe would be the designated penalty taker. That trust paid off. When Madrid earned a penalty, the French superstar stepped up calmly and slotted it home with his signature composure.
The stadium erupted. This wasn’t just a goal; it was a statement.
Mbappe had officially opened his La Liga account, and Alonso’s decision to empower him instantly felt justified.
It was a moment that defined the new hierarchy at Madrid. Mbappe was not just another signing; he was the new face of the project.
Osasuna’s Resilience and Madrid’s Defensive Wall
Even after conceding, Osasuna refused to collapse. They launched a few dangerous counterattacks, trying to catch Madrid off guard.
But this is where Alonso’s tactical discipline shone through.
- Carvajal was composed and sharp.
- Huijsen, making his first league appearance, looked confident beyond his years.
Together, they helped Madrid maintain a clean sheet and close out the game professionally.
The match ended 1-0, but the control, defensive composure, and tactical awareness hinted that something exciting is building under Alonso.
What This Result Really Means
For casual viewers, a 1-0 win might look narrow. But for Madrid fans, it carries immense symbolic weight.
- It marks Xabi Alonso’s first La Liga victory as Real Madrid coach.
- It proves that Madrid can stay patient, control games, and win even without Bellingham or Camavinga.
- It establishes Mbappe as the team’s new leader in attack.
The team may not yet be at its peak, but the direction is right. The midfield, once reinforced with Bellingham and Camavinga, will regain its creativity and energy. Vinicius, who looked a bit rusty, will soon rediscover his sharpness to complement Mbappe’s explosiveness.
Key Match Stats Real Madrid vs Osasuna
| Category | Real Madrid | Osasuna |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 79% | 21% |
| Shots | 9 | 1 |
| Shots on Target | 4 | 0 |
| Corners | 6 | 1 |
| Fouls | 9 | 11 |
| Goals | 1 (Mbappe, 68’) | 0 |
These numbers don’t just highlight dominance; they reflect Alonso’s control-oriented philosophy and the foundation he’s building for the rest of the season.
Before kickoff, experts predicted a comfortable Madrid win, expecting a 2-0 or 3-0 scoreline. But Osasuna’s resilience reminded everyone that La Liga is rarely easy; every team fights hard against the champions-in-making.
Still, Madrid passed the first test. The players showed patience, control, and mental strength traits that Alonso values deeply.
Fans can catch Real Madrid’s next match live on DAZN, while highlights of this fixture are already trending online, especially Mbappe’s goal and Trent’s stunning debut performance.
The next few weeks will bring more formidable challenges:
- Barcelona and Atletico Madrid await.
- The Champions League group stage will test Alonso’s tactical depth.
But one thing is clear: Real Madrid is back in business. Under Alonso’s leadership, with Mbappe leading the line and Bellingham soon to return, Los Blancos look ready to reclaim their throne in Spain and Europe alike.
Real Madrid vs Osasuna may have ended 1-0, but it was far more than a scoreline. It was a statement of belief, structure, and a fresh beginning.
Xabi Alonso’s era has begun, and with Mbappe firing, Trent commanding, and the Bernabeu roaring once again, the message to the football world is simple:
Real Madrid never rebuilds, they rise again.
