Xabi Alonso Makes A MASSIVE Claim On New Signings After Mbappé Goal In La Liga 2025 Opener News24 –

Real Madrid’s new era under Xabi Alonso began with a hard-fought but promising 1–0 win over Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday night, and the spotlight was firmly on the club’s summer arrivals.

Kylian Mbappé, as expected, grabbed the headlines with a coolly-taken penalty in the 51st minute, but it was the performance of Madrid’s fresh recruits that stood out for Alonso. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Álvaro Carreras all started, while 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono made his senior bow from the bench.

For a team where expectations never dip below perfection, the fear was that debut nerves might show. Yet, Alonso was quick to dismiss that notion.

“I didn’t feel that the shirt or the Bernabéu weighed them down,” he told reporters. “The four of them performed well not spectacularly, but solidly. No mistakes, no nerves. They looked like they belonged.”

It was a reassuring assessment from a manager who knows better than most how daunting the Bernabéu can feel on opening night. Alexander-Arnold slotted neatly into the backline, Huijsen and Carreras showed composure beyond their years, and Mastantuono injected energy when Madrid needed fresh legs.

“The balance has been good with those who were already here,” Alonso added. “It’s only the first step, but I can take many positives from it.”

The Mbappé Factor

While much of the post-match chatter revolved around Madrid’s youngsters, Mbappé’s decisive penalty reminded everyone why the Frenchman is central to Alonso’s project. In a cagey match where Osasuna defended deep, his moment of calm from 12 yards proved enough.

Rodrygo’s Uncertain Future

One notable absence from the action was Rodrygo. The Brazilian, linked heavily with Manchester City in recent weeks, watched the entire 90 minutes from the bench. Alonso, however, was quick to shut down speculation.

“Today it’s just one game,” he insisted. “I’m counting on Rodrygo. We shouldn’t read too much into this.”

For now, Madrid fans will take comfort in their team’s winning start and perhaps more importantly, in how smoothly the new arrivals slipped into their roles. With Alexander-Arnold already looking assured, Huijsen and Carreras earning valuable minutes, and Mastantuono hinting at his potential, Alonso’s Madrid is already showing signs of depth and evolution.

The season is long, and sterner tests await. But for an opening night at the Bernabéu, this was exactly what Alonso would have wanted: three points, fresh energy, and no sign of stage fright.