Real Madrid begin its Xabi Alonso era with a victory over Osasuna

Xabi Alonso begins his rein at Los Blanocs with a 1-0 victory over Osasuna at the Bernabéu as Kylian Mbappe slots home a penalty to give Real Madrid the lead.

In the dying embers of the game, Bretones was dismissed following a straight red card for blocking off Garcia's run and allegedly using his arm to hit him in the face in a decision that initally appeared harsh.

Real Madrid couldn’t break down the back five, sometimes back six, in their normal opening 20’, leading to Huijsen launching a strike from distance for Madrids first effort on target of the night. Goalkeeper Herrera would be happy to face shots from that distance all night.

Torro, Moncayola, and Oroz pressed and held strong in the midfield during the first half, staying within the width of the box as set by the back five. The midfield trio prevented Real Madrid’s relentless pressure from breaking down their defence with well drilled and disciplined organisation.

Mbappe had the best opportunity of the first half, squandering a cut back from Vini Jr and giving the keeper catching practise.

Osasuna wasted their only chance of the first half having won a free kick in the opposing half, but then failing to beat the first man with the cross. You don’t get many chances at the Bernabeu, let alone good ones.

On the brink of half time, Budimir gets a half chance just inside the box. With the ball running away from him and bouncing awkwardly, the Croatian striker didn’t connect cleanly enough and the ball fizzed out for a goal kick.

It didn’t take long after the restart for Real Madrid to win themselves a penalty, with Mbappe breaking down the right hand side and Cruz going to ground to attempt to stop him, instead taking his legs with him right next to the by-line.

After the goal, Osasuna started coming out of their own half more, playing a wider and more expansive game in an effort to at least challenge Madrid. This had the trade off creating tired legs and giving more space to Madrid when they did win back the ball.

Bretones had a great opportunity at the back post, but seemed the most surprised in the stadium to have received the ball, requiring two touches to control the ball which gave Madrid time to smoother the chance. The cross sailed over Alexander-Arnold’s head, who seemed unaware of the threat, before arriving at the advanced wingback.

Mbappe looked like he was playing in a charity match all night, gliding past defenders with ease and drizzling the crowd with an array of skills.