Real Madrid, one of the biggest and most successful soccer clubs in the world, began their LaLiga season with a close but important 1-0 win over Osasuna. The match, played at the famous Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, gave fans their first look at several exciting new players who joined the team this summer.

After the game, Real Madrid’s new head coach, Xabi Alonso, praised the performances of the new arrivals. He said they handled the pressure of playing in front of the huge home crowd very well. “I didn’t feel that the shirt or the Bernabéu weighed them down,” Alonso told reporters. What he meant was that wearing Real Madrid’s white jersey—something full of history and expectations—did not make them nervous. Instead, they looked confident, calm, and ready to contribute.
New Signings in Action
Among the new signings who started were Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Álvaro Carreras. All three were included in the starting lineup. Another young player, Franco Mastantuono, just 18 years old, came off the bench in the second half to make his debut.
Alexander-Arnold is especially well-known around the world. Before joining Real Madrid, he played for Liverpool in the English Premier League and built a reputation as one of the best attacking right-backs in modern soccer. His ability to deliver precise crosses into the box and his strong passing range made him a standout in England. For Real Madrid, his signing was seen as a major statement of intent.
Dean Huijsen, a young defender originally linked to Juventus, is viewed as one of the brightest defensive talents in European soccer. Meanwhile, Álvaro Carreras, another defender, impressed with his energy and composure at the back. And Mastantuono, who only recently turned 18, showed why Real Madrid is so excited about his potential.
The Winning Goal
The winning goal of the match came from Real Madrid’s new superstar signing, Kylian Mbappé, who scored a penalty in the 51st minute. Mbappé, widely considered one of the best players in the world, joined Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain this summer in a deal that dominated soccer headlines.
Mbappé is known for his lightning speed, incredible dribbling skills, and deadly finishing ability. By scoring in his very first LaLiga game for Real Madrid, he gave fans even more reason to dream about what this season could bring. His penalty was taken with calmness and confidence—traits that explain why he is already a World Cup winner with France at just 19 years old back in 2018.
The Pressure of the Bernabéu
Playing at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is not like playing anywhere else. The stadium, which holds more than 80,000 fans, has witnessed countless legendary moments. Real Madrid has won 14 UEFA Champions League titles, more than any other club in history. That record alone shows the level of expectation that comes with wearing their jersey.
For new players, especially young ones, stepping onto that field can be overwhelming. But Alonso was happy to see that his new arrivals did not let the moment get to them. “They were solid, they didn’t make any mistakes, they weren’t nervous and they were well integrated into the team,” he said.
Alonso also pointed out that the mix between new players and those who were already part of the squad worked well. The newcomers brought energy and freshness, while the established stars provided experience and leadership.
What About Rodrygo?
One interesting talking point from the match was the absence of Rodrygo, the 24-year-old Brazilian winger. Rodrygo has been an important player for Real Madrid in recent years, scoring big goals in both LaLiga and the Champions League. However, against Osasuna, he was left on the bench and did not play.
This came at a time when there are rumors in the media about Rodrygo possibly moving to Manchester City in the English Premier League. Some fans wondered if his lack of minutes meant that a transfer was close.
But Alonso quickly ended those rumors. He told reporters that people should not read too much into it. “Today it’s just one game, we can leave the rest behind,” he explained. “What counts is this season and of course I’m counting on Rodrygo.” In other words, Alonso made it clear that Rodrygo is still part of his plans.
Xabi Alonso’s Early Days as Real Madrid Coach
For Alonso himself, this was also a very important game. He only recently became the head coach of Real Madrid, replacing Carlo Ancelotti. Alonso is already a legend at the club as a former player. He was a central midfielder who played for Real Madrid from 2009 to 2014, winning LaLiga and the Champions League.
After retiring as a player, Alonso began his coaching career and earned praise for his work with Real Sociedad’s youth teams and later with Bayer Leverkusen in Germany. At Leverkusen, he transformed the team into one of the most exciting sides in the Bundesliga. That success earned him the chance to return to Madrid, this time as head coach.
Fun Soccer Facts for Context
Real Madrid is the most successful club in Champions League history, with 14 titles.
The club was founded in 1902 and has always played in their famous white uniforms, earning them the nickname Los Blancos.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, one of the new arrivals, once broke the Premier League record for most assists by a defender in a single season.
Kylian Mbappé scored a hat trick in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina, even though France lost in penalties.
Franco Mastantuono became one of the youngest players to debut for Real Madrid in LaLiga.
What This Means for the Season Ahead
Real Madrid’s 1-0 win over Osasuna might not have been the most spectacular game, but it showed a lot of positives. The defense looked solid, the new players showed no signs of fear, and Mbappé made an immediate impact.
For Alonso, this game was about more than just three points. It was about building trust, proving that the squad is deep and versatile, and showing that Real Madrid can integrate new stars without losing their identity. With the LaLiga season just beginning, Real Madrid fans are already excited about what’s to come.
If Mbappé keeps scoring, Alexander-Arnold keeps assisting, and young talents like Mastantuono grow into their roles, Real Madrid could be favorites not only to win LaLiga but also to fight for another Champions League title.
One thing is certain: at the Bernabéu, expectations are always sky-high. But after this opener, Alonso and his new players passed their first big test.