La Liga: Kylian Mbappe Helps Real Madrid Edge Out Osasuna In Opener

Last Updated:August 20, 2025, 08:24 IST

Mbappe converted from the spot in the 51st minute of the game to net the telling touch of the game as the Capital City club registered a triumph over the visitors.

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring from a penalty kick during the La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Osasuna in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid began their La Liga season with a 1-0 win over Osasuna on Wednesday as French superstar Kylian Mbappe netted the lone strike of the game at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Mbappe converted from the spot in the 51st minute of the game to net the telling touch of the game as the Capital City club registered a triumph over the visitors.

ALSO READ| Liverpool Star Mohamed Salah Voted PFA Player Of The Year For Record Third Time

Mbappe, who netted 31 times in his debut season with Madrid last year, has been handed the coveted No. 10 jersey as head coach Xabi Alonso, who took over from former boss Carlo Ancelotti, opened his La Liga pursuit with a win.

“You can see that Kylian wants to do even more after this first year where he did great things," said Alonso.

“I don’t know if it’s linked to the new number or not, or simply to his desire to win, but he wants to improve individual and collective performance and inspire his team-mates," Alonso added.

“You can see his desire every day. Today he created those decisive moments that enable us to win matches," the Madrid gaffer said.

ALSO READ| Vishy V Kasparov, Gukesh V Carlsen: St. Louis Chess Club To Feature Legends, Champions Showdown

Alexander-Arnold made his La Liga debut following his transfer from Liverpool, joining former Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen and left-back Alvaro Carreras in the starting line-up among other summer arrivals.

Madrid were without England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who is expected to be sidelined until October as he recovers from surgery to address a recurrent shoulder issue.

Madrid are aiming to move on from a disappointing end to the Carlo Ancelotti era after losing both their domestic and European titles last season.

Alonso’s team had to be patient against an Osasuna side that finished ninth last season, with the hosts mainly limited to long-range attempts from centre-backs Huijsen and Eder Militao in the first half.

Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera was equal to both, while Mbappe failed to connect cleanly after being found by Vinicius Junior before curling another shot wide as Madrid struggled to break down their opponents.

However, Mbappe scored the only goal six minutes after half-time following a clumsy challenge by Cruz as he tried to get past the defender.

Mbappe promptly got up and running for the new campaign as he sent Herrera the wrong way from the penalty spot.

Alonso gave 18-year-old Argentine winger Franco Mastantuono his debut midway through the second half as Madrid controlled the game and seldom looked troubled.

Ante Budimir headed over in a rare opportunity for Osasuna and Mastantuono was denied late on by Herrera.

Osasuna finished the match with 10 men after Abel Bretones was sent off in stoppage time for throwing an arm to block Gonzalo Garcia’s run.

“To start on the right foot is key in La Liga. We know we weren’t well prepared. But we basically didn’t suffer and it was a complete display," defender Dani Carvajal said.

Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location :

Spain

First Published:

August 20, 2025, 08:24 IST

News sports La Liga: Kylian Mbappe Helps Real Madrid Edge Out Osasuna In Opener

Read More