Real Madrid began their La Liga 2025 season with a hard-fought but vital 1-0 victory over Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday evening, courtesy of second-half penalty by Kylian Mbappe. The game was Xabi Alonso’s managerial debut as he takes over for head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Mbappe, who donned the legendary number 10 shirt after Luka Modric’s move to AC Milan, slotted it in from the penalty spot in the 51st minute after he was fouled in the box by Osasuna’s Juan Cruz. This came despite a disappointing first half for Madrid as they could not penetrate a solidly-organised Osasuna defense.
After the win, Xabi Alonso appreciated Kylin Mbappe and mentioned about his “desire” to win.
“You can see that Kylian wants to do even more after this first year where he did great things,” said Alonso
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“I don’t know if it’s linked to the new number or not, or simply to his desire to win, but he wants to improve individual and collective performance and inspire his team-mates,” added Alonso.
“You can see his desire every day. Today he created those decisive moments that enable us to win matches.”
New recruits Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Alvaro Carreras started in the eleven, with 18-year-old Argentine winger Franco Mastantuono playing his first game in the second half. Madrid were missing influential midfielder Jude Bellingham, who will be out for a few weeks due to a shoulder injury until October.
Despite having their pre-season cut short thanks to their Club World Cup campaign, Alonso’s team were well-sharpened and in control of the game once they took the lead. Navarro’s team barely had any opportunities, with Ante Budimir clearing a header over in one of their limited attacks.
Osasuna were left to play with 10 men in stoppage time after Abel Bretones was dismissed for cutting off Gonzalo Garcia’s run using an arm.
The win ensures that Madrid’s run without defeat in La Liga openers since 2008 stays intact, and provides Alonso with a good beginning to his reign.
