Mbappé scores the opener after a controversial penalty

Great play by Vinícius

Confirmed lineups

Real Madrid begins the 2025-26 season at the Santiago Bernabéu against Osasuna, in what will be Xabi Alonso’s official LaLiga debut as head coach. The team arrives with several notable absences, including Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy, and Endrick, along with the suspension of Antonio Rüdiger. Despite these setbacks, expectations are high thanks to the new signings reshaping the squad.

The starting lineup features the debuts of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Álvaro Carreras, strengthening the Madrid backline. In midfield, Fede Valverde returns after recovering from muscle discomfort, joined by Aurélien Tchouaméni and Arda Güler. Up front, the attacking trio is formed by Vinícius Jr., Kylian Mbappé, and Brahim Díaz, with Rodrygo Goes starting on the bench.

Meanwhile, Osasuna, managed by Alessio Lisci, lines up with five defenders and relies on Ante Budimir as their main attacking threat. This is the Italian coach’s first official lineup in charge, as the team looks to challenge a rival they have not beaten in over thirteen years.

Mastantuono Set for Dream Debut

All eyes are also on Franco Mastantuono, the 18-year-old Argentine prospect. Although he starts on the bench, Xabi Alonso has hinted he could make his debut at the Bernabéu. The coach praised his personality and maturity in training, saying: “He has a spectacular left foot and a fighting spirit that fits perfectly with what we want in this team.”

Alonso is confident that the youngster will quickly adapt to the locker room dynamic and bring fresh energy to a squad undergoing changes after the departure of legends like Luka Modric and the end of Carlo Ancelotti’s era.

A New Era at the Bernabéu

The clash with Osasuna also marks the beginning of a new cycle for the club. After making history in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso now faces the challenge of restoring competitive hunger to a Real Madrid side that fell short of its goals last season.

The Madrid faithful are eager to see how the partnership between Vinícius and Mbappé develops, as it is expected to be one of the keys to the project. On the other side, Osasuna will aim to pull off a surprise with a defensive setup, hoping to end their two-decade winless streak at the Bernabéu.

With excitement running high and several new faces, Real Madrid’s season begins with the clear goal of challenging Barcelona for the LaLiga crown from the very first matchday.