Mbappé Strike Edges Real Madrid Past Osasuna in La Liga Opener

Real Madrid Seal Narrow Win Against Osasuna

Real Madrid began their new La Liga campaign with a cagey but successful outing at the Santiago Bernabéu, edging past Osasuna in a tightly contested affair that hinged on a single moment of precision from Kylian Mbappé.

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The French forward settled the match from the penalty spot midway through the first half, sending Sergio Herrera the wrong way after being fouled inside the box.

His calm strike ensured Xabi Alonso’s first league game as Madrid manager ended in victory, though the home crowd would have hoped for a more comfortable scoreline.

The evening carried extra significance as several new faces made their league introductions. England international Trent Alexander-Arnold, signed from Liverpool over the summer, was warmly welcomed for his first La Liga appearance.

His blend of energy and delivery down the flank was evident before he was substituted to rapturous applause in the second half. Alongside him, Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras slotted in confidently, while young Argentine Franco Mastantuono featured from the bench to mark his first steps in Spain’s top flight.

Despite dominating possession and creating openings, Madrid lacked their usual clinical edge. Herrera twice denied efforts from distance, including a stinging drive from Huijsen and a thumping header from Éder Militão.

Osasuna, however, carried little attacking intent until the dying minutes, when Ante Budimir spurned a rare chance by nodding over the bar. Their hopes of salvaging anything from the contest disappeared moments later when Abel Bretones was dismissed for a late challenge.

For Alonso, the biggest takeaway will be the three points rather than the performance. His side controlled the game but left themselves open to tension with the slender margin. Mbappé’s strike, his 10th in his last six league matches, once again highlighted his importance in decisive moments.

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Madrid now march on with the satisfaction of a clean slate and a win on opening day, while Osasuna return home reflecting on a missed opportunity to punish the European giants’ wastefulness.