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)
- Final: Real Madrid 1–0 Osasuna
- Goal: Mbappé (51′, penalty)
- Key notes: Alonso’s first LaLiga win; teenager Franco Mastantuono made his official debut off the bench; Osasuna’s Abel Bretones saw a late red card.
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
- Kickoff: Tue, Aug 19, 2025 (21:00 CEST/15:00 ET)
- Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu
- Goal: 51′ Mbappé (PEN)
- Cards: 90+′ Bretones (OSA) red
- Result: Madrid 1–0 Osasuna
(For in-game minute-by-minute, see ESPN’s live log and r/soccer’s event thread.)
What we learned
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Osasuna competed to the final whistle. Organization and resilience kept the game tight until stoppage time’s red card.
KM🔟 pic.twitter.com/ipEaiT5Kjc
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) August 19, 2025
Where to watch (and rewatch)
- USA live/replay: ESPN+ (English), ESPN Deportes (Spanish). Pre-match listings also referenced Disney+ and Fubo coverage for certain packages/day-of carriage. Check your provider’s VOD for full replays.
- Global listings: Broadcasters vary by territory; U.K. guidance pointed to Premier Sports 2 for this fixture.
Tip: If you missed the match, ESPN’s match page archives the live log and highlights once processed.
Tactical snapshot
- Madrid build: A single pivot in front of the back line, fullbacks taking turns stepping into midfield, wingers narrowing to open overlaps. Early-season timing was not perfect, but the structure limited transition threats.
- Osasuna block: A compact 4-4-2/4-5-1 hybrid with wingers tucked inside to deny half-spaces, conceding crossing volume but defending the six-yard box fiercely—until the penalty broke script.
Player focus
- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, FW): Decisive and composed from the spot; drew and converted the winner. Grade: 8/10.
- Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid, AM): High-energy cameo, looked for quick one-twos and diagonal slips; symbolic debut under Alonso. Grade: 7/10.
- Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid, GK): Light shot-stopping load thanks to territorial control, but impeccable in starting counters. 7/10.
- Abel Bretones (Osasuna, LB): Wrestled with wide overloads; dismissal capped a grueling night. 5/10.
“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.
🤜 @DHuijsen 🫂 @KMbappe 🤛 pic.twitter.com/gFKYttXtyL
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) August 19, 2025
Context for the season
- Streaks: Madrid maintain a remarkable habit of avoiding opening-day defeats stretching back well over a decade, extended again with this result.
- Next up: Real Oviedo on Aug 24 (LaLiga MD2), a chance to sharpen chance creation before the schedule stiffens.
- Talking point: How quickly Alonso’s press-and-probe approach can mesh with possession control will shape early-season form. The opener suggested a stable floor with upside once automatisms settle.
Frequently searched angles (quick answers)
- Real Madrid vs Osasuna watch live (U.S.): ESPN+ (English), ESPN Deportes (Spanish). Some listings highlighted Disney+ and Fubo carriage for certain packages. Always verify day-of.
- Real Madrid vs CA Osasuna timeline: 51′ penalty Mbappé; late red card Bretones; otherwise Madrid control with sporadic Osasuna counters.
- Real Madrid vs CA Osasuna stats: See ESPN’s match hub for xG, shots, and passing networks as they finalize post-match.
- Franco Mastantuono debut? Yes—featured off the bench in the second half.
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