Alexander-Arnold Poised to Make Explosive La Liga Debut as Real Madrid Face Osasuna
Real Madrid begin their 2025–26 La Liga season at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium with Xabi Alonso leading from the sidelines.
Following their title loss to Barcelona in the previous campaign, Real Madrid are focused on reclaiming La Liga glory. The club not only brought in Alonso to replace Carlo Ancelotti but also secured the signings of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Franco Mastantuono and Álvaro Carreras during the transfer window.
Los Blancos began the Alonso tenure at the FIFA Club World Cup, achieving a semifinal placement in the United States. However, the true challenge arrives just one month afterward on home turf. Real Madrid are scheduled to face Osasuna in their La Liga season opener.
The team will need to cope without the sidelined Jude Bellingham, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, David Alaba and Endrick due to injuries. Real Madrid will also miss Antonio Rüdiger, who must complete the remaining game of his six-match suspension for hurling ice at referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea during the Copa del Rey final.
Here's how Real Madrid's starting eleven might appear against Osasuna on Aug 19.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Osasuna (4-3-3)
GK: Thibaut Courtois—Courtois enters the 2025–26 campaign approaching his 300th match for Los Blancos. The Belgian goalkeeper will be delighted to have an enhanced and improved defense ahead of him.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold—The ex-Liverpool defender is poised to make his La Liga bow. Alexander-Arnold should enjoy considerable attacking freedom along the right side to connect with Alonso's offensive setup.
CB: Éder Militão—With Rüdiger banned, Militão will earn his first competitive start nine months following his ACL injury. The Brazilian looked sharp in Real Madrid's preseason match, netting the decisive goal against WSG Tirol.
CB: Dean Huijsen—Huijsen represents another fresh addition ready to debut in Spain's premier division. Real Madrid will rely on the 20-year-old to address numerous defensive issues from the previous season.
LB: Álvaro Carreras—The 22-year-old rejoins La Liga competition after two seasons with Benfica. The left-back position belongs to Carreras for now.
CM: Arda Güler—Güler has featured in Real Madrid's last six fixtures since Alonso's appointment, and the Turkish midfielder is expected to retain his spot in the engine room.
CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni—Los Blancos transform when Tchouaméni operates in his preferred role. The French midfielder will provide protection for the team's revamped defensive unit.
CM: Fede Valverde—Valverde may have sat out Real Madrid's only preseason fixture, but his return to the squad means his place in Alonso's starting lineup is secure.
RW: Rodrygo—Despite uncertainty surrounding Rodrygo's future, the Brazilian remains Alonso's top choice for the right wing position.
ST: Kylian Mbappé—The French striker begins his Pichichi Trophy title defense at the Santiago Bernabéu. Mbappé aims to surpass his inaugural season performance where he scored 44 goals in all competitions.
LW: Vinícius Júnior—All attention will focus on Vinícius Júnior come Tuesday. The winger failed to recapture his 2023–24 brilliance last term, but he receives a fresh opportunity under Alonso's guidance.
