Real Madrid Edge Past Osasuna in Xabi Alonso’s LaLiga Debut

Real Madrid kicked off their 2025–26 LaLiga campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu, marking a milestone for new manager Xabi Alonso, who took charge of his first league fixture at the helm of Los Blancos.

The match’s decisive moment came just after halftime, when Kylian Mbappé earned and confidently converted a penalty in the 51st minute, putting Madrid ahead. The spot-kick proved enough to secure all three points, as Osasuna—reduced to ten men late in the game after Abel Bretones was sent off in stoppage time—struggled to break through the hosts’ resilient defense.

Real Madrid dominated possession throughout the first half, holding a staggering 78%. However, their attacking play initially lacked a cutting edge, with chances few and far between against Osasuna’s stubborn backline. Madrid’s 10 first-half shots translated to a modest 0.33 xG, but the risk paid off after the interval as a reckless challenge from Osasuna’s Juan Cruz on Mbappé led to the crucial penalty.

The fixture was notable for the debuts of marquee summer signings including Trent Alexander-Arnold, brought in as part of a sweeping squad restructure spearheaded by Alonso. Speaking after the match, Alonso praised his new additions for embracing the pressure and expectations at Real Madrid, acknowledging their role in the club’s major rebuilding effort. The club spent approximately €180million over the summer, with Alexander-Arnold, Argentine midfielder Franco Mastantuono, and several others expected to help rejuvenate a team that failed to capture any silverware last season.

Alonso, whose appointment was official in May 2025 following a successful stint with Bayer Leverkusen, has been tasked by club president Florentino Pérez with ushering in a new era. His first competitive win as head coach provides early optimism for Madrid’s supporters, who have endured a year without trophies.

While the victory was more gritty than glamorous, it sets a positive tone for Alonso’s leadership and the season ahead—signaling that Real Madrid’s revival may already be underway.

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