The World Today
Mbappé saves Real Madrid's La Liga debut
Xabi Alonso's men beat Osasuna with a penalty from the Frenchman in a lackluster match at the Santiago Bernabéu.
MADRID, 19 (EUROPA PRESS)
Real Madrid beat CA Osasuna 1-0 on Tuesday in the first matchday of LaLiga EA Sports 2025-26, thanks to a solitary penalty goal from striker Kylian Mbappé, the best of the match, in a flat game for the Whites against a compact 'rojillo' team, which also saw the debut of Argentine Franco Mastantuono and the return to the Santiago Bernabéu pitch of Dani Carvajal more than 10 months after his injury.
Mbappé was Real Madrid's only bright spot in a flat and uncertain start to the league season. Osasuna played a tough game, with their lines packed tightly together and barely allowing the Merengues any space. And Xabi Alonso's team, returning to the Bernabéu 11 years after his last game as a Real Madrid player, struggled to overcome that barrier.
In fact, it wasn't until the second half, with a penalty, that Mbappé was able to beat Sergio Herrera, although Real Madrid didn't have many more clear-cut chances. Neither Vinícius Júnior nor Brahim Díaz had their best day, in a Madrid attack that lacked clarity. Alessio Lisci's team also showed no grit, leaving the Bernabéu without a shot on target.
Alonso's initial approach was evident from the first minute: wide wingers and full-backs inside to seek superiority inside. But this, combined with very slow ball circulation, prevented the Whites from breaking through the Reds' wall, barely making any real inroads into the opponent's box early on.
The match lacked intensity in the early stages, with Osasuna far from Thibaut Courtois when they won possession, but still compact and defensive, following their plan. In fact, it was Huijsen's long-range shot near the 20th minute that gave Sergio Herrera his first test, but Mbappé also saved a weak shot later.
Only a few bursts from the French striker, somewhat desperate at not touching the ball much, gave life to a Real Madrid that was lacking in attack and, although they didn't suffer at the back due to the 'rojillos' lack of bite, they barely made any moves in a first half that ended 0-0.
But the second half started better for Real Madrid. In the 49th minute, in the first play of the match where Xabi Alonso's team was able to run, Mbappé faced Juan Cruz inside the box and after a cutback, the 'Rojillo' defender swept aside the Frenchman, who made no mistake from eleven yards to celebrate his first goal of the season.
The goal livened up the match. Osasuna stepped up and began to take more risks, allowing Real Madrid to find more space, a joy for Vini and Mbappé, who came close to connecting with a great pass from the Brazilian with the outside of the goal. Güler also dared to attack from the edge of the box, but went over.
Although clear-cut chances weren't coming, Xabi Alonso made a move to the bench to bring on Franco Mastantuono, acclaimed by the crowd, and Dani Carvajal, who also received a standing ovation from the crowd, who hadn't seen him on the pitch since October 5th of last year. Youth player Gonzalo García also got minutes, while the questionable Rodrygo Goes warmed up on the touchline without reward.
Osasuna got close to Courtois's penalty area on occasion and caused a few scares with Rosier's boots and Ante Budimir's head, but the Belgian goalkeeper didn't even have to intervene. The match ended with Abel Bretones being sent off for a direct red card for a foul on Gonzalo García. Real Madrid had a somewhat bittersweet start at home, needing to improve to start the season, although they picked up their first three points and followed in the footsteps of FC Barcelona.
TECHNICAL SHEET.
–RESULT: REAL MADRID, 1 – CA OSASUNA, 0 (0-0, halftime).
–LINEUPS.
REAL MADRID: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold (Carvajal, min.68), Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Güler (Ceballos, min.90); Brahim (Mastantuono, min.68), Mbappé and Vinícius (Gonzalo García, min.78).
CA OSASUNA: Sergio Herrera; Rosier, Catena, Boyomo, Juan Cruz (Raúl García de Haro, min. 85), Bretones; Torró, Moncayola; Rubén García (Víctor Muñoz, min. 66), Aimar Oroz (Moi Gómez, min. 78); and Budimir.
–GOALS:
0-1, min.51: Kylian Mbappé.
–REFEREE: Cordero Vega. He booked Mbappé (90th minute) against Real Madrid; and he sent Bretones off with a straight red card (90th-5th minute).
–STADIUM: Santiago Bernabéu.
