Real Madrid is preparing to kick off a new LaLiga season at the Santiago Bernabéu against Osasuna, supported by a remarkable record: 16 straight season openers without a single defeat in Spain’s top flight. The last time the Blancos stumbled on opening day was more than 15 years ago.

When Was Real Madrid’s Last Defeat in a LaLiga Opener?

The most recent loss dates back to August 31, 2008, when Bernd Schuster’s side fell 2-1 at Riazor against Deportivo de La Coruña. Goals from Mista and Albert Lopo canceled out the strike by Dutch forward Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Since then, the Merengues have avoided defeat in every league debut.

When Did Real Madrid Last Fail to Win?

Although Real Madrid has not suffered a defeat since 2008, the streak of opening-day victories was broken in the 2024-25 season. The team drew 1-1 away at Mallorca in Son Moix, with Rodrygo Goes opening the scoring before Vedat Muriqi equalized. That match marked the final league debut under coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Real Madrid’s Balance Since 2008

In their last 16 LaLiga openers, Real Madrid has recorded 11 victories and 5 draws. Their list of beaten opponents includes Deportivo, Betis, Almería, Celta, Getafe, Athletic, and Real Sociedad. To find their last home defeat in a season opener at the Bernabéu, one must go back to 1984, when Barcelona triumphed 3-0 with Terry Venables on the bench.

What Awaits Against Osasuna?

The clash with Osasuna will mark the LaLiga debut of Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid’s manager. It will be the fifth time the two sides meet on opening day. Historically, the Blancos have won three of those encounters, with the only draw coming in 2001, when Savo Milosevic stunned the Bernabéu before Míchel Salgado rescued a point late in the match.