Real Madrid's 2025-26 La Liga Opener: Stars Shine While Others Stumble

Real Madrid's established stars and fresh acquisitions were the focal point during their opening La Liga fixture of the campaign, though not necessarily in positive ways.

The Spanish powerhouse began their 2025–26 season with a narrow 1–0 triumph against Osasuna on Tuesday evening. Xabi Alonso marked his managerial bow at the Santiago Bernabéu, guiding his new squad to victory in a controlled but uninspiring display.

While goals were scarce, several players in the famous white jersey delivered impressive showings that propelled Real Madrid to their opening win of the term. However, others faced criticism for their contributions during the encounter, with one player failing to even feature in the match.

Here are the primary winners and losers from Real Madrid's La Liga season opener.

Winner: Kylian Mbappe

Let's begin with the clear standout. Real Madrid has transformed into Kylian Mbappé's squad. Los Blancos' fortunes are tied to their star striker, and they secured another victory courtesy of the French sensation.

Mbappé earned his team a spot kick merely six minutes after the interval with an explosive surge into the penalty area, prompting a clumsy sliding challenge from Juan Cruz. Official Adrian Cordero Vega instantly blew his whistle and awarded the penalty, which Mbappé coolly slotted home to begin his 2025–26 scoring tally.

The strike proved decisive, allowing Mbappé another evening of heroics before the passionate home supporters at the Santiago Bernabéu. Wearing the iconic No. 10 jersey, the France skipper also led the match in chances created (2), successful dribbles (8), and duels won (11).

In essence, Tuesday evening belonged entirely to Mbappé at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Loser: Rodrygo

Rodrygo remained unused throughout Real Madrid's La Liga curtain-raiser. The Brazilian was excluded from Alonso's starting lineup and subsequently failed to earn any playing time from the substitutes' bench.

The attacking midfielder has clearly lost favor with Alonso and appears to rank low in the new manager's pecking order. When Los Blancos sought additional firepower, the ex-Bayer Leverkusen tactician instead handed 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono his maiden appearance in the white jersey. Gonzalo García also received minutes, while Rodrygo remained a spectator.

Alonso provided little explanation for his choice following the contest, merely stating, "It's just a game. This was my decision."

With every fixture Rodrygo spends watching from the bench, his prospects at Real Madrid become increasingly doubtful. A talent with the credentials and ability of the Brazil star will not accept being relegated to observer status, even at football's most prestigious institution.

Winner: Dean Huijsen

Dean Huijsen enjoyed a memorable La Liga bow. The 20-year-old defender performed with maturity beyond his years alongside Éder Militão, contributing to Real Madrid's clean sheet in their season opener.

Through intelligent positioning and timely tackles, Huijsen neutralized virtually every Osasuna attack before it could develop past midfield. The visitors managed only two attempts throughout the contest, neither troubling the goalkeeper.

Thibaut Courtois was left without a single save to make, largely thanks to Huijsen's commanding display. Even when Real Madrid surrendered possession, the former Bournemouth defender typically regained control almost immediately.

Additionally, the Spain international was nearly flawless in possession. Sixteen of Huijsen's 17 long passes reached their intended targets, and he completed 89 passes overall—more than any other player on the field. He even unleashed a long-range effort that almost broke the deadlock during the opening period.

Loser: Trent Alexander-Arnold

Evaluating Trent Alexander-Arnold's maiden La Liga appearance proved challenging. The fullback faced minimal defensive duties and was frequently isolated on the right flank while Real Madrid concentrated their attacks down the opposite side.

Nevertheless, when Alexander-Arnold did become involved, he found it difficult to establish connections with his new colleagues in the final third. The 26-year-old failed to complete any accurate long passes and managed just one successful cross from seven attempts.

Alexander-Arnold appeared to depend on tactics that served him well at Liverpool, but Los Blancos rarely generate opportunities through aerial deliveries or long-range distribution, particularly when the quality is lacking. The England defender would have been more effective by combining with Brahim Díaz, who started on the right wing.

The positive aspect for Alexander-Arnold is that he has only five days to wait before potentially redeeming his modest La Liga debut with a stronger showing when Real Madrid face Real Oviedo.