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Kylian Mbappe opened his La Liga account for the new season with a decisive penalty as Real Madrid edged past Osasuna 1-0 on Tuesday night, handing new head coach Xabi Alonso a triumphant debut at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Mbappe Delivers the Breakthrough
The French striker, who finished last season as Europe’s Golden Shoe winner, struck from the spot six minutes after half-time. He won the penalty himself, going down under a clumsy challenge from Osasuna defender Juan Cruz before calmly sending goalkeeper Sergio Herrera the wrong way.
It was Mbappe’s first goal of the campaign and his 32nd in La Liga since joining Madrid, a timely reminder of his attacking prowess.
Alonso’s First Match in Charge
For Alonso, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti this summer, it was a dream start in front of the home fans. The former midfield maestro described his first night as Madrid’s head coach as “special” and “unforgettable.”
“Hopefully, it was the first of many victories celebrated here,” Alonso said after the match. “There were positives, beginning with the result. We still need a few things that will give us stability to keep progressing.”
The victory extends Madrid’s remarkable record of remaining unbeaten in their opening league fixture since 2008.
New Faces on Show
The match also marked the La Liga debut of Trent Alexander-Arnold following his high-profile move from Liverpool. He was joined in the starting lineup by other summer arrivals, including former Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen and young left-back Alvaro Carreras.
Madrid were, however, without influential midfielder Jude Bellingham. The England international is recovering from a shoulder operation and is not expected to return until October.
A Stubborn Osasuna Performance
Osasuna, who finished ninth last season, made life difficult for the hosts. Madrid were limited to long-range efforts in the first half, with Herrera comfortably denying shots from Huijsen and Eder Militao.
Vinicius Junior nearly set up Mbappe, but the Frenchman scuffed his attempt before curling another effort wide. For much of the match, patience was required as Madrid probed against Osasuna’s compact defense.
After Mbappe’s breakthrough, Osasuna struggled to threaten. Their best chance fell to Ante Budimir, who headed over the bar. The visitors’ night worsened in stoppage time when Abel Bretones was shown a red card for striking Gonzalo Garcia with his arm.
Bright Future and Young Talent
Alonso also handed a debut to 18-year-old Argentinian winger Franco Mastantuono, who came off the bench midway through the second half. The youngster nearly made an instant impact, forcing a late save from Herrera.
Madrid’s mix of world-class talent, high-profile signings, and emerging youth highlighted the club’s intent to rebuild strongly after losing both their domestic and European crowns last season.
With a new coach at the helm and Mbappe leading the line, Real Madrid will be eager to re-establish dominance in both La Liga and Europe. Alonso’s steady debut may not have been spectacular, but it offered glimpses of resilience and tactical maturity that could define his tenure.
Madrid fans left the Bernabeu with optimism, hopeful that this win was the first step in a successful new era.
Read Also: Carlo Ancelotti to leave Real Madrid to coach Brazil
