Real Madrid began the 2025/26 La Liga campaign with a 1-0 win over Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday night, extending their unbeaten run in the league to 21 matches.
The only goal came early in the second half, when Kylian Mbappé won and converted a penalty in the 52nd minute after being brought down by Juan Cruz. The Frenchman’s calm finish was enough to separate the sides in what proved a tight contest.
Mbappé was also very impressive and imposed himself tremendously throughout the match; Madrid’s Official X handle admin couldn’t help but post a moment of brilliance from the French superstar.
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Softfootball reported that Xabi Alonso, who was taking charge of his first league game as Madrid coach, had to contend with a depleted squad. Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy, and Endrick were all sidelined, while Antonio Rüdiger missed out through suspension.
Despite those absences, Madrid dominated possession from the outset, at one stage completing 54 passes in the opening three minutes to Osasuna’s six, but struggled to create clear openings.
Long-range efforts from Dean Huijsen and Éder Militão forced saves from Sergio Herrera, while Vinícius Júnior blazed a chance over before half-time.
After Mbappé’s breakthrough, Madrid pushed for a second, with Huijsen driving forward repeatedly from the back, but Osasuna threatened on the counter and almost levelled when Abel Bretones flashed a shot just wide midway through the half.
Any hope of a late comeback was ended in stoppage time when Bretones was sent off for an off-the-ball incident, leaving the visitors to finish with ten men.
The evening also featured a debut for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who received a warm ovation when substituted in the 68th minute, and for teenage midfielder Franco Mastantuono, introduced moments later.
The result ensured Madrid kept pace with Barcelona, who opened their season with a win at the weekend, and maintained Los Blancos’ remarkable record of avoiding defeat on the opening day now stretching 17 seasons (W12, D5).
For Osasuna, meanwhile, it was a familiar story: stubborn resistance but little reward, as they fell to another defeat on the road.
