Real Madrid Kicks Off La Liga Season with a Win Under Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid began their 2025-26 La Liga campaign with a tough 1-0 victory over Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu, handing new coach Xabi Alonso a winning start.

A penalty by Kylian Mbappe in the second half was the decisive touch in the game, which contained promises as well as possible concerns regarding the new-look team.

Alonso succeeded Carlo Ancelotti after a trophyless 2024-25, and his first game in charge involved three new defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Alvaro Carreras.

Although Madrid dominated the game and had possession in the first half, Osasunas defense was too tough to crack. Huijsen and Militao each had long-range efforts, with the most dangerous coming closest with shots that were saved by Osasuna keeper Sergio Herrera.

• Real Madrid edges Osasuna 1-0 as Kylian Mbappé penalty gives Xabi Alonso winning La Liga debut
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The game’s turning point came six minutes into the second half when Kylian Mbappe, last season’s European Golden Shoe winner, earned and scored a penalty after being fouled by Juan Cruz. He coolly sent Herrera the wrong way to put Madrid ahead. “It was tough to find space early on, but we got the goal and controlled things better after that,” Mbappé told Real Madrid TV. Still, a second goal didn’t come. Arda Güler’s shot went just over, and debutant Franco Mastantuono forced a good save from Herrera.

Osasuna, happy to defend deep, nearly stole a point when Ante Budimir missed a close-range header. Their chances took a hit when Abel Bretones was sent off late for a foul on Gonzalo García. While Madrid secured the win, their pressing game—a key part of Alonso’s vision—looked shaky at times, with stars like Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior still adapting to the defensive demands.

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“It’s great to start with a home win,” Mbappé said. “We knew it’d be tough.” With Barcelona cruising past Mallorca 3-0, the pressure’s on. Madrid face Real Oviedo next, and while Alonso’s era is off to a good start, the performance shows there’s work to do to challenge for the La Liga title.