Players demonstrate incredible agility to score a crucial goal in the match.
Kylian Mbappe ensured Real Madrid began their La Liga campaign with three points, but it was far from a statement performance at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Frenchman scored the decisive penalty early in the second half as Los Blancos edged past Osasuna 1-0 in a sluggish opener.
Madrid showed little spark in attack, while Osasuna’s defensive approach frustrated the home side for long periods. Xabi Alonso, taking charge of his first league match as Madrid boss, will be happy with the result but less so with the performance.
Slow First Half at the Bernabeu
Real Madrid looked short of rhythm in the opening 45 minutes. Osasuna sat deep, absorbed pressure, and left Madrid struggling for ideas.
Dean Huijsen produced the only real moment of excitement for the hosts with a thunderous strike from distance. His effort forced a sharp save, but otherwise the half lacked urgency.
Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, and Brahim Diaz failed to trouble Osasuna’s well-drilled backline, leaving fans restless by halftime.
Mbappe Breaks the Deadlock
The breakthrough came just six minutes after the restart. Mbappe showcased his trademark skill, cutting inside before being clipped inside the box.
The referee pointed to the spot immediately. Mbappe calmly slotted home the penalty, sending the Bernabeu into relief rather than raptures.
That goal proved decisive, even if Madrid failed to build on the momentum. Arda Guler fired narrowly over and looked increasingly dangerous, but a second goal never arrived.
Osasuna Reduced to Ten
As the game drifted toward the final whistle, tempers flared. Osasuna ended the match with 10 men after an off-the-ball incident left the visitors shorthanded.
Despite the advantage, Real Madrid did not press for more. Alonso instead opted for rotations, protecting key players ahead of the next fixture.
Real Madrid Player Ratings vs Osasuna
Goalkeeper and Defence
Thibaut Courtois – 7/10
A quiet evening. Made no saves of note but will gladly take the clean sheet.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6/10
Showed his passing range with some brilliant long balls. Defensively, however, he switched off at times. A mixed outing.
Eder Militao – 7/10
Steady and disciplined on his return from injury. Did not face much pressure but stayed reliable.
Dean Huijsen – 8/10
Madrid’s standout defender. Calm under pressure and excellent with the ball at his feet. A bright prospect.
Alvaro Carreras – 6/10
Safe and solid defensively. Contributed little going forward but did not put a foot wrong.
Midfield
Aurelien Tchouameni – 6/10
Shielded the defence effectively and circulated possession. Needed more urgency in transitions.
Federico Valverde – 6/10
Worked tirelessly to cover gaps but failed to impose himself creatively.
Arda Guler – 7/10
Anonymous in the first half but grew into the game. Nearly scored with a superb strike and added energy.
Attack
Brahim Diaz – 5/10
Showed glimpses of skill but often drifted inside unnecessarily. Did not offer enough width.
Kylian Mbappe – 7/10
Match winner on debut. Scored the penalty with composure but looked lost positionally at times.
Vinicius Jr – 6/10
Lively in spells, linking well with Mbappe, but lacked his usual cutting edge in the final third.
Final Verdict
Real Madrid got their La Liga season off to a winning start, but not in convincing fashion. Mbappe’s penalty was the difference on a night when Alonso’s side looked far from their best.
Three points will satisfy Madrid, yet sharper performances will be required if they aim to reclaim the title.
