Trent Alexander-Arnold made his La Liga debut as Real Madrid began the season with a 1-0 victory over Osasuna at the Bernabéu.
The summer signing from Liverpool impressed before being substituted to a standing ovation in the 68th minute. Kylian Mbappé scored the only goal from the penalty spot after being fouled in the box, calmly beating goalkeeper Sergio Herrera.
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Real dominated the game, with debutants Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras and Franco Mastantuono also featuring, while Eder Militao went close from distance. One interesting thing is, this match is also Xabi Alonso first La Liga match as Real Madrid coach.
Osasuna’s hopes ended with a stoppage-time red card for Abel Bretones after a late challenge on Goncalo Garcia.
Alexander-Arnold’s Bernabéu Bow: Mbappé Penalty Seals Real Madrid Win Over Osasuna
Real Madrid kicked off their La Liga campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu, where new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold made his much-anticipated league debut.
Alexander-Arnold’s first La Liga appearance
The 25-year-old England international, who arrived from Liverpool in the summer after nearly a decade at Anfield, started at right-back under Xabi Alonso. Known for redefining the modern full-back role with his creativity and passing range, Alexander-Arnold’s move to Spain was one of the headline transfers of the window. Trent Alexander-Arnold career at Liverpool before Real Madrid was also eye catching and fantastic.
Having already featured five times at the FIFA Club World Cup earlier this year, this was his first taste of domestic Spanish football. He was warmly applauded by the Madrid faithful when he was substituted for Dani Carvajal midway through the second half, a symbolic changing of the guard at right-back.
Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid goal again in La Liga 2025-26 season.
Kylian Mbappé, another blockbuster summer arrival, made the difference on the night. The French forward, signed from Paris Saint-Germain after years of speculation, earned and converted a penalty in the 36th minute. He sent Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera the wrong way to secure Madrid’s first league points under Alonso.
Mbappé’s strike continued his fine scoring run in debuts — having previously netted in his Ligue 1, Champions League, and World Cup bows. Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid goal continue the legacy.
Madrid dominance and debuts – Real Madrid La Liga opener 2025
Los Blancos controlled the game from start to finish, registering 14 shots and 63% possession. Defenders Dean Huijsen, who joined from Bournemouth, and Eder Militao both went close with long-range efforts that forced Herrera into saves.
There were also first La Liga appearances for £43m signing Álvaro Carreras, a left-back from Benfica, and teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono, recruited from River Plate for £38.5m. Both impressed in their cameos, showing Alonso’s willingness to trust youth alongside his new stars.
Osasuna’s struggles against Real Madrid is Spanish football news today
Osasuna offered little in attack and finished the match with 10 men when Abel Bretones was dismissed in stoppage time for a reckless foul on Goncalo Garcia. It was a frustrating evening for Jagoba Arrasate’s side, who have now failed to win at the Bernabéu since 2004.
La Liga 2025 match results – Real Madrid vs Osasuna 2025
Real Madrid vs Osasuna head-to-head record
Real Madrid’s dominance over Osasuna continued with this result. In their last 15 league meetings, Los Blancos have won 12 and drawn three. At home, Madrid have been nearly untouchable in this fixture, scoring 25 goals and conceding just five in the last decade.
What it means
For Alonso, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti in the summer, this victory was an ideal start to life in La Liga management. The former Madrid midfielder has brought in a mix of proven stars and promising youngsters, hoping to build a team that can reclaim the title after finishing second last season.
For Alexander-Arnold, the night marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career. After lifting the Champions League and Premier League with Liverpool, he now faces the challenge of adapting to Spanish football and helping Real Madrid maintain their winning culture. Real Madrid new signings 2025 contribute their best.
Madrid will next face Real Betis, while Osasuna host Valencia in search of their first points of the season.
