Mbappé scores on debut as Real Madrid beat Osasuna in La Liga opener
French star secures three points with a penalty at the Santiago Bernabéu
Real Madrid started the 2025/26 La Liga season with a narrow 1-0 victory over Osasuna this Tuesday (19). In front of their home crowd at the Santiago Bernabéu, new signing Kylian Mbappé scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot early in the second half, sealing three points for Xabi Alonso’s team.
Brazilians in Action, But Rodrygo Left on the Bench
Coach Alonso opted to start Vinícius Júnior and Éder Militão, while Rodrygo remained an unused substitute. Young striker Endrick, still recovering from injury, was left out of the squad. Gonzalo García, one of the academy products promoted this season, came on in the second half.
Real Madrid Dominates, But Struggles to Create
The Merengues controlled the game with 78% possession in the first half but failed to break through Osasuna’s compact defense. Despite constant pressure, the teams went into halftime goalless.
Five minutes into the second half, Mbappé was fouled inside the area and confidently converted the penalty, scoring his first official goal for the club. Even with the lead, Real Madrid struggled to create clear-cut chances to extend the scoreline.
In stoppage time, Osasuna went down to ten men after Bretones was sent off for elbowing García, but the late advantage wasn’t enough for Madrid to add to their tally.
Tight Start to La Liga
With the win, Real Madrid joins Barcelona, Espanyol, Alavés, Athletic Bilbao, Getafe, Villarreal and Rayo Vallecano on three points after the opening round. Due to goal difference, the Merengues sit in 8th place.
Osasuna, meanwhile, are among the eight teams that begin the campaign with no points, facing early pressure to recover in the coming weeks.
Alonso’s First Steps in Charge
The match marked Alonso’s official La Liga debut as Madrid manager after a short preseason, cut short by the Club World Cup in the United States. Following a trophyless 2024/25 campaign, the club is betting on the Basque coach and the firepower of Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. to restore its dominance both in Spain and Europe.
