Mbappé Strike Seals Real Madrid Win Over Osasuna
The new La Liga season opened with plenty of attention on Real Madrid, and their clash against Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu certainly delivered talking points. It was a tight contest, but a single strike from Kylian Mbappé, calmly converted from the penalty spot, was enough to separate the sides and hand Madrid a 1-0 victory.
The breakthrough came early in the second half when Mbappé, who had been lively throughout, was fouled inside the area. He took responsibility himself, stepping up with confidence and sending Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera the wrong way. With that strike, Madrid finally broke Osasuna’s stubborn resistance. The Frenchman’s record speaks volumes—ten goals in his last six league appearances—and once again, he proved decisive when his team needed him most.
Also Read:- Yankees Face AL East Test Amid Playoff Push and Lingering Concerns
- Severe Storm Threat Returns to the Prairies with Supercell Potential
This match was also about debuts and new beginnings. Trent Alexander-Arnold, the summer signing from Liverpool, made his first La Liga appearance. The right-back, who had already featured at the Club World Cup, finally got his domestic bow at the Bernabéu and was warmly applauded when he came off after 68 minutes. Dean Huijsen, signed from Bournemouth, also stepped into league action for the first time, while teenage talent Franco Mastantuono and left-back Álvaro Carreras both enjoyed their Madrid introductions. It was a clear sign that under Xabi Alonso, now in charge after Carlo Ancelotti’s departure, Madrid are embracing a new era filled with fresh faces and big expectations.
The stats reflected just how dominant Madrid were. They controlled more than seventy percent of the ball, unleashed 18 shots compared to Osasuna’s two, and carved out 35 touches inside the opposition box. Yet, despite that superiority, the margin remained slim. Eder Militão and Huijsen both tested Herrera from distance, and Arda Güler nearly doubled the lead with a curling strike that skimmed just over. Still, Madrid had to wait until the final whistle before breathing easily.
Osasuna’s evening ended in frustration. Already limited in attack, their hopes of a late push vanished when Abel Bretones was sent off in stoppage time for a reckless challenge on Gonzalo Garcia. Before that dismissal, Ante Budimir did come close with a header, reminding Madrid that a single lapse could have been costly. But beyond that moment, the visitors rarely threatened.
For Alonso, this first league game in charge brought both relief and encouragement. Madrid not only secured three points but also displayed energy, commitment, and glimpses of the attacking depth they now boast. The challenge, of course, will be to turn dominance into goals on a more regular basis.
In the end, the night belonged to Mbappé’s decisive penalty, Alexander-Arnold’s debut reception, and a Bernabéu crowd of more than 68,000 witnessing the beginning of what could be an exciting new chapter for Real Madrid. Osasuna left empty-handed, while Madrid’s campaign started with victory and plenty of optimism.
Read More:
0 Comments