Kylian Mbappe scored a penalty in the second half, helping Real Madrid secure a tough 1-0 win at home against Osasuna in their first game of the LaLiga season on August 19. This match marked a successful beginning for Xabi Alonso as he took charge of the team for the first time.
After having a tough time getting past a tough Osasuna defense in the first half, Mbappe earned a penalty and successfully scored from it just six minutes into the second half, giving Real the lead. However, the home team was unable to extend its lead further.
Kylian Mbappé’s Post-Match Reaction
“In the first half, we struggled to find room to play, but in the second half, we managed to score a goal early on,” Mbappe shared with Real Madrid TV.
“We created more opportunities and had better control of the game. We thought we would get a second goal, but it didn’t happen.”
Osasuna’s Late Red Card
The visiting team lost Abel Bretones in added time after he committed a foul away from the ball on Gonzalo Garcia. Alonso’s team began their league season with a win, but it wasn’t the most impressive performance. They want to recover the league title from Barcelona.
Alonso’s team recently faced a tough defeat, losing 4-0 to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup. In their next game, they played against a team that seemed happy to defend and try to secure a draw. Alonso’s side controlled the match for the most part, but the visiting team almost managed to hold on for a tie.
First Half Analysis: Possession Without Penetration
Real Madrid had the ball a lot in the first half and moved it around well. However, most of their best chances came from long-distance shots. One standout moment was when Eder Militao took a strong shot that required a good save from the Osasuna goalkeeper, Sergio Herrera.
Osasuna’s strong defense fell apart shortly after halftime when Juan Cruz fouled Mbappe, leading to a penalty kick. Mbappe took the shot and expertly tricked the goalkeeper, putting the ball in the net and finally scoring for Real.
Second Half Opportunities and Missed Chances
The goal changed the game, making Osasuna play more aggressively, while Real Madrid looked to score again to secure their lead. One player, Arda Guler, took a strong shot from outside the penalty area, but it went just over the crossbar.
Alonso began the match with 3 new players in the team’s defense: Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras and Trent Alexander-Arnold. He later introduced 18-year-old Argentine midfielder Franco Mastantuono, who was making his debut for the club.
Mastantuono’s Chance and Budimir’s Miss
Mastantuono quickly tried to make a difference in the game, but his shot from a tough angle was saved by Herrera at the near post. Just moments before that, Osasuna had a chance to even the score with Ante Budimir, who headed the ball over the goal from very close range, missing what could have been an unlikely equalizer.
Mbappé on the Importance of the Win
Kylian Mbappe shared his thoughts, saying, “Starting the season with a victory at home was really important for us. We were aware that it wouldn’t be easy.”
“Osasuna had a clear strategy to play defensively and relied on Budimir. We’re really pleased with our win and we’re looking forward to achieving even more.”
In their opening game on August 16, Barcelona won against Mallorca with a score of 3-0. This victory put pressure on Alonso, as he needed to secure another three points. He achieved this despite missing key players due to injuries and suspension, including Jude Bellingham, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, Endrick, and Antonio Rüdiger.
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