Real Madrid began their La Liga season with a bang on Sunday. They managed a scrappy 1-0 win over Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu. Kylian Mbappe dazzled fans with his creative attacking play. His penalty-kick strike early in the second half stood as the only goal of the match, emphasizing the team’s resolve to avoid looking back after a frustrating ending to the Carlo Ancelotti era.
The final showcased a Real Madrid side that dominated the game, but struggled to find a way past an extremely stubborn Osasuna defensive line. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 51st minute as Mbappe was brought down in the box by Osasuna defender Juan Cruz. The French forward kept his cool with the spot kick, sending goalkeeper Sergio Herrera the wrong way.
Mbappé had been going through a drought of sorts. He skimmed a clean connection off a cross from Vinicius Junior and curled another effort off target. Even with blowing these chances, his game-winning converted PK was indicative of his quality to the team and earned the OG United all three points.
Having come back to the Santiago Bernabeu, this time as a coach, Xabi Alonso could not hide his emotions after the match.
“It was special to be back here as a coach, unforgettable.” – Xabi Alonso
Alonso paid tribute to his side’s patience in breaking down a disciplined Osasuna outfit. He noted that there were positives to take from the game, particularly the result, while emphasizing that further improvements are needed.
“Hopefully it was the first of many victories celebrated here. There were positives, beginning with the result. We still need a few things that will give us stability to keep progressing.” – Xabi Alonso
Real Madrid continued to have a firm grasp of the game, and rarely appeared threatened by Osasuna’s attacks. Mbappe dripped off the page with doubled underlines. At the same time, 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono came on for his debut, handing this historic opportunity to the budding talent and to the club.
Besides their own triumph, Real Madrid celebrated the La Liga debut of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who came on as a second half substitute in the match. They’ll have to continue through the rest of the season without Jude Bellingham. It is likely he will miss games at least into October after surgery.
Real Madrid’s victory extended their club-record unbeaten streak to 16 straight opening fixtures in a league campaign, dating all the way back to 2008. Fans can’t wait to carry the momentum into next season. They’re hoping that this victory will be a turning point for the club.
