Real Madrid started their LaLiga season with a 1-0 win over Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday night, making it 21 games unbeaten in the league.
The team, now led by Xabi Alonso, looked a bit different with key players like Jude Bellingham, Endrick, and Eduardo Camavinga out injured, and Antonio Rüdiger suspended.
After rivals Barcelona won their first match, Real Madrid needed a victory, and they showed their intent early, completing 54 passes in the first three minutes compared to just six from Osasuna.
Real dominated possession but struggled to create clear chances. Mbappé made a great run but was stopped by a strong tackle from Enzo Boyomo, while long shots from Dean Huijsen and Éder Militão were saved by Osasuna keeper Sergio Herrera.
Despite 79 percent possession, Real Madrid couldn’t find the net in the first half, and Vinícius Jr’s wild shot in the 38th minute summed up their frustration.
In the second half, Osasuna came out stronger. But a clumsy tackle on Mbappé by Juan Cruz gave away a penalty in the 50th minute, which the French forward calmly scored.
Osasuna tried to fight back, with Abel Bretones nearly scoring the equaliser, but Real kept attacking. The visitors’ hopes were finally dashed when they went down to 10 men in added time.
This win means Real Madrid haven’t lost their opening LaLiga match for 17 seasons in a row. They’ve won 12 and drawn 5 of those matches. Osasuna, who only won two away games last season, likely expected a tough start.
