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The 2025/26 La Liga season kicks off with a mouth-watering clash at the Santiago Bernabéu as Real Madrid host Osasuna. Los Blancos begin their new era under Xabi Alonso, looking to bounce back from their disappointing FIFA Club World Cup semi-final defeat to PSG. For Osasuna, this is an opportunity to spoil Madrid’s party and make a statement on opening day.
🏟️ Match Details
- Fixture: Real Madrid vs Osasuna
- Competition: La Liga 2025/26 – Matchday 1
- Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 20:00 BST / 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT
- Venue: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid
🔥 Match Context
Real Madrid are under pressure to respond after falling short in the Club World Cup. The Bernabéu faithful will expect nothing less than three points to set the tone for the new season.
For Xabi Alonso, this is a massive debut in the league. He has inherited a squad full of talent, new signings, and expectations of winning both domestically and in Europe.
Osasuna, on the other hand, will arrive with no fear. Jagoba Arrasate’s men are well-drilled defensively and will look to frustrate Madrid, aiming to repeat history their last win over Madrid came in 2011.
⚪ Real Madrid Team News
- Key Absence: Jude Bellingham remains sidelined after shoulder surgery and is not expected back until October.
- New Faces: Summer signings Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, and Franco Mastantuono are all available for selection.
- Form Check: Madrid are unbeaten in their last 16 opening-day fixtures, last losing an opener back in 2008.
Madrid’s attack will likely be led by Vinícius Jr and Rodrygo, with Xabi Alonso expected to deploy an aggressive pressing system to control the game early.
🔴 Osasuna Team News
- Mindset: Osasuna are brimming with confidence heading into this clash, despite knowing the mountain they have to climb.
- Record vs Madrid: They haven’t beaten Real Madrid in La Liga since 2011, but Arrasate’s side thrives as underdogs.
- Approach: Expect Osasuna to sit deep, defend in numbers, and rely on counter-attacks and set-pieces to test Madrid’s backline.
📊 Head-to-Head
- Last 5 Matches in La Liga:
- Real Madrid wins: 4
- Draws: 1
- Osasuna wins: 0
- Recent Meeting: Real Madrid 2–0 Osasuna (March 2025)
- Dominance: Madrid are unbeaten in their last 18 La Liga matches against Osasuna.
⚔️ Tactical Battle
- Real Madrid: Will dominate possession, press high, and rely on wing play through Vinícius Jr and fullbacks like Alexander-Arnold.
- Osasuna: Compact defense, structured pressing, and quick transitions on the counter.
The key question is whether Osasuna can resist Madrid’s early pressure and frustrate the Bernabéu crowd long enough to grow into the game.
⭐ Key Players to Watch
- Vinícius Jr (Real Madrid): Madrid’s talisman and main attacking outlet, especially in Bellingham’s absence.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid): All eyes will be on the new signing to see how he adapts in his first La Liga match.
- Chimy Ávila (Osasuna): Dangerous on the break and always capable of producing a moment of magic.
🔮 Prediction
This fixture has all the ingredients of a high-intensity La Liga opener. Osasuna will come to fight, but Madrid’s firepower, depth, and home advantage make them overwhelming favorites.
Predicted Score: Real Madrid 3–1 Osasuna
📌 Conclusion
Real Madrid cannot afford a slow start under Xabi Alonso, and with new signings eager to impress, Los Blancos should have too much for Osasuna. But if Osasuna manage to silence the Bernabéu early, we could be in for an opening-day shock.
👉 What do you think? Will Xabi Alonso mark his La Liga debut with a big win, or can Osasuna spring a surprise at the Bernabéu?
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