Xabi Alonso’s Youthful Real Madrid Begin La Liga Journey With Injuries And Fresh Hope

When Real Madrid walk out under the Bernabeu lights on Tuesday night, it won’t just mark the start of a new La Liga season. It will also be the beginning of a new chapter under Xabi Alonso, the man tasked with blending superstar power with fresh academy fire.

Missing Stars, Rising Voices

Alonso’s first official squad list carries the excitement of new signings but also the reality of painful absences. Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, Endrick, and Ferland Mendy are all sidelined through injury, while Antonio Rudiger is suspended. For most managers, that would feel like a hammer blow. For Alonso, it’s an opportunity.

The name on everyone’s lips is Thiago Pitarch. At just 18, the midfielder has made the leap from Castilla training sessions to the first-team squad, with Alonso praising his “readiness to step up.” It’s a bold call that has fans buzzing, some on X already tipping Pitarch as “the next midfield star Madrid needs.”

Mbappe Era Takes Centre Stage

Of course, the headline act remains Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman’s long-awaited debut season in white begins here, and supporters are eager to see how he combines with Vinicius Junior. With Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz also in the mix, Madrid’s front line is less a strike force and more a promise of fireworks.

Franco Mastantuono, another teenager earning a spot, adds to the sense that Alonso is willing to trust youth while still managing the pressure of Madridismo’s sky-high expectations.

Alexander-Arnold’s Bernabeu Bow

Over in defence, Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to make his La Liga bow. His arrival in Spain raised eyebrows across Europe, but his attacking flair from right-back could redefine Madrid’s rhythm. Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao bring the experience, while David Alaba offers the calm leadership Alonso knows well from his own playing days.

A Stern Osasuna Test

Standing in the way is Osasuna, a side famous for their resilience and ability to frustrate giants. The clash is no easy curtain-raiser, but the Santiago Bernabeu will be demanding a strong statement from Alonso’s new-look side.

Madrid’s official X account captured the mood perfectly: “Ready to start La Liga with passion and pride at the Bernabeu! #HalaMadrid.” For supporters, it’s not just about three points, but about catching the first glimpse of Alonso’s Madrid identity — youth, energy, and tactical sharpness.

The Bigger Picture

Real Madrid’s season will be judged on silverware, as always. But Tuesday night offers something more subtle: a preview of Alonso’s project. Injuries may have clipped some wings, but the promise of Pitarch, the flair of Mastantuono, and the star power of Mbappe suggest Madrid are still ready to soar.

Source:Sabc Sport 

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