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Real Madrid vs Osasuna: Mbappé’s Amazing Penalty Kickstarts Xabi Alonso’s Liga Era

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Kylian Mbappé buried a second-half penalty as Real Madrid edged Osasuna 1–0 to open LaLiga 2025-26, handing Xabi Alonso a winning league debut. Get the full “Real Madrid vs Osasuna” timeline, key stats, how to watch replays, projected lineups, player ratings, and context for Madrid’s title push.

Real Madrid vs Osasuna Background: New era, same pressure

Real Madrid entered 2025-26 with Xabi Alonso on the touchline and Kylian Mbappé wearing the No. 10, tasked with delivering instant results after a frustrating Club World Cup summer. The league opener at the Bernabéu against a disciplined Osasuna promised a stylistic reset—more front-foot pressing and quicker vertical passes—while keeping the non-negotiable: three points. Pre-match broadcast details in the U.S. listed ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes as carriers, with kickoff at 3:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

Match recap (short version)

 

How the game was won

The decisive moment

Early in the second half, Mbappé cut inside and was clipped by Juan Cruz. Referee Adrián Cordero pointed to the spot; VAR upheld the call. Mbappé sent the keeper the wrong way to make it 1–0—his first league goal for Madrid. Multiple outlets documented the foul and conversion on 51′.

Alonso’s blueprint

Compared with Carlo Ancelotti’s more measured buildup, Alonso’s Madrid pressed higher and earlier, pinning Osasuna for long spells. It wasn’t liquid football from whistle to whistle, but the structure—narrow wingers, an active front press, and a single-pivot anchor—kept the visitors in their box. Post-match analysis emphasized the increased energy and pressing as the clearest “day-one” changes.

Youth and depth notes

The loudest roar not tied to the goal greeted Franco Mastantuono’s introduction. The 18-year-old Argentine—signed from River Plate—was heavily trailed pre-match and indeed saw minutes, a symbolic nod to Alonso’s willingness to integrate youth immediately.

Late drama

Osasuna stayed stubborn and compact, but the game’s last flash point came in stoppage time when Abel Bretones saw red after a tangle on the touchline, sealing Madrid’s narrow win.

Real Madrid vs Osasuna: Key stats & timeline

(For in-game minute-by-minute, see ESPN’s live log and r/soccer’s event thread.)

What we learned

  1. The Mbappé effect is immediate. Even on a day without fireworks, he produced the match-winning action and converted with authority. That’s why you sign superstars.
  2. Alonso’s style showed in the press. Madrid’s shape squeezed Osasuna’s first pass consistently; Alonso’s first Liga match delivered three points and a subtle identity shift.
  3. Pathway for youngsters is real. Mastantuono’s debut wasn’t just a PR moment—it was a tactical attempt to add guile between the lines late.
  4. Osasuna competed to the final whistle. Organization and resilience kept the game tight until stoppage time’s red card.

 

Where to watch (and rewatch)

Tip: If you missed the match, ESPN’s match page archives the live log and highlights once processed.

Tactical snapshot

Player focus

“Real Madrid vs CA Osasuna” lineups (as reported/expected)

Pre-match reports and live coverage centered on Alonso keeping the core intact while blooding one or two youngsters late; Osasuna leaned on continuity under Alessio Lisci. For official sheets and minute-accurate substitutions, use ESPN’s match center once final lineups and stats are posted.

 

Context for the season

Frequently searched angles (quick answers)

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