Madrid, Aug 20 (IANS) – Kylian Mbappé’s second-half penalty secured Real Madrid a 1-0 victory over Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu, giving Xabi Alonso’s side a winning start to their LaLiga campaign.
After a goalless first half, last season’s Golden Boot winner broke the deadlock in the 50th minute. The Frenchman weaved into the box past Juan Cruz, drew a foul, and calmly converted the spot-kick to seal the win.
Debutants Carreras and Mastantuono featured in the game, with the latter receiving a warm ovation from Madrid fans when introduced in the second half.
Madrid dominated from the outset, testing Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera on multiple occasions. Carreras and Huijsen went close with long-range efforts, while Militao and Vinícius Jr. also threatened. Mbappé narrowly missed before halftime with a right-footed strike.
Arda Güler nearly doubled the lead just after the hour mark, while Mastantuono later set up Tchouaméni, whose header went wide. Osasuna’s best chance came in the 64th minute when Bretones failed to finish Rubén García’s cross.
The visitors ended with 10 men after Bretones was sent off late in the game for a foul on Gonzalo.
The result keeps Madrid’s record intact — they have now gone 17 consecutive seasons without defeat on LaLiga’s opening day.
