In The Spanish League Opener,Real Madrid Defeats Osasuna

Kylian Mbappe kicked off his second season with Real Madrid by scoring, helping the team secure a 1-0 win against Osasuna in their Spanish league opener on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

Mbappe, who was the top scorer in his first season with Madrid, scored a penalty in the 51st minute to secure the win for the home team.

He made a great run down the right side of the box and executed a smooth cutback, which led to the foul.

This goal marked a successful debut for new coach Xabi Alonso in his first full season with the team.

The ex-Madrid player joined the club before the Club World Cup, taking over from Carlo Ancelotti, who moved on to coach Brazil.

“Being back here as a coach was something really special, unforgettable”, Alonso shared.

“I hope this is just the beginning of many victories celebrated here”.

Alonso kicked off the match with three of the club’s new signings for the season – left back Alvaro Carreras, right back Trent Alexander-Arnold, and central defender Dean Huijsen.

In the 68th minute, teenage forward Franco Mastantuono came off the bench to take Brahim Diaz’s place, receiving a warm cheer from the crowd at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

In the 89th minute, the 18 year old Mastantuono had an opportunity to score, but his attempt from within the box was blocked by the Osasuna keeper.

“They all performed really well”, Alonso remarked about the new players.

“These are individuals who will support us for many years to come. None of them seemed to buckle under the weight of the Madrid jersey or the atmosphere of the Bernabeu”.

Osasuna’s Abel Bretones received a straight red card during stoppage time for a high arm that blocked Madrid’s Gonzalo Garcia.

“They were in control, and we expected that”, Osasuna’s Ruben Garcia commented.

“We had a solid game but struggled to get close to their goal. Ultimately, they earned the win”.

Madrid’s Rodrygo remained on the bench throughout the match, fueling rumors about a potential transfer.

Alonso played down the significance of Rodrygo’s limited playtime, stating that he still relies on the Brazilian international for the time being.

The game took place on Tuesday instead of last weekend, along with the other opening matches, because Madrid’s players needed extra rest after their stint at the Club World Cup.

The league turned down Madrid’s request to postpone their debut even more.

Madrid had control of the ball over 70% but found it tough to penetrate the solid Osasuna defense at the start, only managing a few long range attempts.

Mbappe, wearing the No. 10 jersey this season, had one of Madrid’s best chances in the first half with a curling shot from inside the box that narrowly missed the top corner, but he finally scored the winner early in the second half as Madrid kept pushing.

He sent a low shot from the penalty spot into the right side of the net while the goalkeeper dove the opposite way.

Barcelona kicked off its title defense with an easy 3-0 victory against nine-man Mallorca on Saturday, while Atletico Madrid let a late lead slip away in a 2-1 defeat to Espanyol on Sunday.

Last season, Madrid was the runner up to Barcelona in the Spanish league, and Osasuna ended up in ninth place.