Mbappe’s Penalty Seals Real Madrid’s Winning Start in Xabi Alonso’s La Liga Debut

Kylian Mbappe didn’t need long to remind Madridistas why he is the face of their new era. A calm penalty, six minutes into the second half, was enough to hand Real Madrid a 1-0 victory over Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu and give Xabi Alonso a winning start as head coach.

A New Era at the Bernabeu

This was not just another opening night for Los Blancos. It was the first chapter under Alonso, who stepped in after Carlo Ancelotti’s trophyless farewell last season. The Bernabeu faithful have grown accustomed to blockbuster openings — but this one carried a sense of quiet anticipation. Alonso’s Madrid were not spectacular, but they were steady, and that might be exactly what they need after the turbulence of last year.

Mbappe Steps Up Again

The moment came when Juan Cruz clumsily clipped Mbappe as the Frenchman darted past him. The striker dusted himself off, coolly sent Sergio Herrera the wrong way, and celebrated his first goal of the new campaign. For a man who scored 31 times last season and now wears Luka Modric’s legendary number 10 shirt, expectations couldn’t be higher.

Social media lit up instantly, with fans joking that Mbappe “owns La Liga penalties” already, while others pointed out that even in a cagey contest, the Frenchman always seems to find the decisive spark.

Alonso’s Choices and New Faces

Alonso’s first team sheet raised eyebrows. Trent Alexander-Arnold made his La Liga debut in Madrid colours, joined by Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras, while Dani Carvajal marked his long-awaited return from injury off the bench. Notably absent was Jude Bellingham, still sidelined until October following shoulder surgery.

The inclusion of 18-year-old Argentine Franco Mastantuono late in the game offered a glimpse of Madrid’s future. The teenager nearly capped his debut with a goal, only to be denied by Herrera.

Osasuna’s Grit and Madrid’s Patience

Osasuna, who finished ninth last season, didn’t make it easy. Their goalkeeper kept Madrid’s long-range efforts at bay in the first half, while Ante Budimir missed their only real chance with a header over the bar. When Abel Bretones was shown red in stoppage time, it summed up the visitors’ night — stubborn but ultimately second-best.

Looking Ahead

Madrid’s pre-season was disrupted by their deep Club World Cup run in July, and Alonso openly admitted that preparation had been far from perfect. Still, winning while still finding rhythm is a hallmark of championship sides.

“We know we weren’t well prepared, but we basically didn’t suffer,” Carvajal told reporters. His words reflected the sense in Madrid circles: not sparkling, but solid. And when you have Mbappe in your team, sometimes that’s all it takes.

For Alonso, this was a first test passed. For Mbappe, it was business as usual. And for Real Madrid fans, it felt like the start of something that could become very special.

Source:EWN 

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