LaLiga: Kylian Mbappé Scores Decisive Penalty as Real Madrid Beats Osasuna
Real Madrid gets off to a winning start in La Liga with a 1-0 victory over Osasuna, thanks to a decisive penalty from Kylian Mbappé. Read more about the match.
Real Madrid got their La Liga season off to a winning start, extending their unbeaten streak against Osasuna to 21 games with a 1-0 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu. Kylian Mbappé scored the decisive penalty in the 51st minute, showcasing his skill and composure. Despite missing key players like Antonio Rüdiger, Jude Bellingham, and Eduardo Camavinga due to suspension and injuries, Real Madrid managed to secure the win.
The match saw some notable performances from Real Madrid players, including goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who had a relatively easy game, and Dean Huijsen, who effectively neutralized Vinicius Jr. Osasuna's Sergio Herrera made crucial saves, particularly in the first half, but couldn't stop the penalty. The game's intensity picked up in the second half, with Abel Bretones receiving a red card in stoppage time for violent conduct.
FT: #RealMadridOsasuna 1-0
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) August 19, 2025
The 3 points stay at the Bernabéu. 🤍#LALIGAEASPORTS pic.twitter.com/uY5T2EGzA7
Real Madrid dominated the match from the start, showcasing their intent to secure a win after Barcelona's opening day victory over Mallorca. Within the first three minutes, they had already completed 54 passes, compared to Osasuna's six. This early possession advantage allowed Real Madrid to dictate the pace of the game, with their intricate passing sequences posing a significant challenge to Osasuna's defense. The visitors' back five struggled to cope with the hosts' intense pressure, leaving them scrambling to keep up.
The contrast between the two teams' playing styles was evident, as Real Madrid's possession-based approach clashed with Osasuna's more direct, long-ball strategy. Despite their dominance, Real Madrid struggled to create clear-cut chances in the early stages, with their attacking play often being met with a well-organized Osasuna defense. The hosts' inability to capitalize on their possession advantage left them searching for a breakthrough.
💪 @KMbappe: "Starting with a win at home is important for us."
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) August 19, 2025
📺 Full interview 👉 RM Play
Kylian Mbappé showcased his exceptional skill with a dazzling slaloming run, but it was abruptly halted by a strong tackle from Enzo Boyomo. Despite the setback, Real Madrid continued to press forward, with Dean Huijsen and Éder Militão attempting long-range shots that were expertly saved by Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera. As the first half wore on, Real Madrid's attack lacked creativity, relying heavily on possession but struggling to create clear scoring opportunities.
The frustration was palpable, with Vinicius Jr.'s wayward effort in the 38th minute encapsulating the team's difficulties. Despite dominating possession with 79%, Real Madrid failed to capitalize on their advantage, leaving them to regroup at halftime and reassess their strategy. The challenge ahead lay in breaking down Osasuna's defense and creating more meaningful chances.
The second half began with Osasuna taking the initiative, pushing forward and putting pressure on Real Madrid's defense. However, their momentum was disrupted when Juan Cruz committed a clumsy sliding challenge on Kylian Mbappé, earning a penalty for Real Madrid. Mbappé stepped up and confidently scored the penalty, sending Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera the wrong way and giving Real Madrid a crucial 1-0 lead.
The penalty proved to be the decisive moment in the match, as Real Madrid's lead gave them renewed confidence and control. Osasuna, on the other hand, struggled to regain their momentum and create meaningful chances. Despite their efforts, they were unable to equalize, and Real Madrid held on to secure a hard-fought victory.
After falling behind, Osasuna adopted a more open approach, allowing Real Madrid's Dean Huijsen to push forward and support the attack. This adjustment led to a more dynamic and fluid attacking display from Real Madrid. However, Osasuna nearly equalized with a stunning move in the 63rd minute, as Abel Bretones came close to scoring. Despite this brief moment of respite, Real Madrid continued to press forward, maintaining their relentless attacking pressure.
Osasuna showed great resilience and determination, continuing to push forward and create scoring opportunities despite being behind. With only one goal separating the teams and just eight minutes remaining, they may have felt optimistic about their chances of equalizing and silencing the Santiago Bernabéu crowd. However, their hopes were dashed when Abel Bretones was sent off for violent conduct in stoppage time, effectively sealing the win for Real Madrid.
Despite Osasuna's spirited second-half performance, where former Real Madrid manager Victor Muñoz excelled, Real Madrid maintained their impressive opening-day record. This win marks the 17th consecutive LaLiga season that Real Madrid hasn't lost their opening match, boasting a record of 12 wins and 5 draws.
Osasuna's fans might have had high hopes for a winning start after the team struggled with just two away wins last season. However, Real Madrid's dominance from the start, despite missing key players like Antonio Rüdiger and Jude Bellingham due to suspension and injuries, proved too much for Osasuna to handle.
FT: #RealMadridOsasuna 1-0
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) August 19, 2025
The 3 points stay at the Bernabéu. 🤍#LALIGAEASPORTS pic.twitter.com/uY5T2EGzA7
Real Madrid's Player Ratings:
- Thibaut Courtois: 6/10 - Solid goalkeeping performance
- Dean Huijsen: 8/10 - Excellent defensive display against Vinicius Jr.
- Kylian Mbappé: 7/10 - Scored the winning penalty and showed energetic play
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