Real Madrid kicked off their La Liga campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over a stubborn Osasuna side at the Santiago Bernabéu, thanks to a second-half penalty from Kylian Mbappé.

Despite dominating possession and controlling much of the game, Los Blancos struggled to break down Osasuna’s compact defensive setup in the opening 45 minutes. The breakthrough finally came in the 51st minute when Mbappé calmly converted from the spot, marking his official La Liga debut goal in Real Madrid colours.

Tempers flared late in the game as Osasuna defender Abel Bretones was shown a straight red card, reducing the visitors to 10 men and ending any hopes of a late equaliser.

The match also marked the managerial debut of Xabi Alonso in the Spanish top flight as head coach of Real Madrid. The former midfield maestro, returning to his old stomping ground in a new role, will be pleased to start his tenure with three points — even if the performance left room for improvement.

2025-26, Spain - La Liga

Real - Osasuna 1:0 (0:0)
Goals: Mbappé, 51 (penalty) (1:0)

Real: Courtois; Militão; Alexander-Arnold (Carvajal, 68); Huijsen; Fernandez Ál.; Tchouaméni; Güler A. (Dani Ceballos, 90); Diaz Br. (Mastantuono, 68); Valverde F.; Vinícius Júnior (García G., 78); Mbappé
Bench: Lunin Andriy; Mestre; Alaba; Asencio R.; García Fr.; Rodrygo
Yellow Cards: Mbappé 90

Osasuna: Herrera S.; Juan Cruz (Raul G., 85); Rosier; Boyomo; Bretones (till 90); Catena; Torro; Moncayola; Aimar Oroz (Moi Gomez, 77); Ruben Garcia (Muñoz Vic., 66); Budimir
Bench: Aitor Fernandez; Stamatakis; Herrando; Chasco; Cameros; Osambela; Kike Barja
Red cards: Bretones 90'