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As the 2025-2026 La Liga season kicks off, Real Madrid is gearing up to reclaim their title from Barcelona, starting with a thrilling match against Osasuna at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. This highly anticipated showdown marks a fresh chapter for Los Blancos, now under the leadership of newly appointed coach Xabi Alonso.
He’s all set to bring a more dynamic and ambitious style of play after the Carlo Ancelotti era came to a close. Can Alonso breathe new life into this storied club?
Setting the Stage: Real Madrid’s New Dawn
Real Madrid, a club steeped in history and success, begins this campaign with a sense of optimism.
They’ve made several key signings during the summer transfer window, laying the groundwork for a team capable of challenging for the La Liga title once again. After a disappointing previous season, the squad is eager to turn the page, armed with fresh tactics and renewed energy.
But what hurdles stand in their way?
Alonso’s debut as manager came with a wake-up call when Paris Saint-Germain dealt Madrid a heavy blow at the FIFA Club World Cup. This tough experience underscored the need for improvement if the club aims to reclaim its spot at the pinnacle of Spanish football.
Will the team rise to the occasion?
Alonso is looking to implement a 3-4-2-1 formation, a strategy that proved successful during his time in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. The crux of this approach hinges on building the right chemistry between two of the team’s brightest stars: Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
Both possess immense potential, but can they learn to work together effectively for Madrid to truly thrive?
Analyzing Key Players and Team Dynamics
The synergy between Mbappe and Vinicius is absolutely critical. While Mbappe dazzled fans with a stunning debut season, racking up 44 goals, Vinicius saw his scoring dwindle after the Frenchman’s arrival.
Reports suggest that both forwards are being encouraged to step up their off-the-ball contributions to foster a stronger team dynamic. Alonso has voiced concerns about teamwork, even noting some negative body language among players—a trend that must change for the team to succeed. How can they turn that around?
If this dynamic duo can’t find their rhythm on the pitch, speculation about Vinicius’s future at the club could resurface, adding pressure to their performances. The midfield will also undergo changes, especially with the absence of veteran Luka Modric, whose leadership and experience will be sorely missed. The spotlight now shifts to young talents like Turkish playmaker Arda Guler, who’s eager to step up and control the pace of the game.
Entering his second season with Real Madrid, Guler has expressed confidence in Alonso’s vision, stating, “The coach is trying to make us have more control of the game, and that’s better for me.” With Jude Bellingham sidelined for the beginning of the season, Guler is expected to see more playing time, offering him a crucial chance to showcase his skills. Will he seize this opportunity?
Previewing the Match Against Osasuna
As Real Madrid gears up for their season opener against Osasuna, the team is also integrating several new signings into the lineup. Trent Alexander-Arnold, one of the summer’s marquee additions, is set to make his La Liga debut, bringing quality and experience to the right side of defense. Additionally, towering center-back Dean Huijsen, who joined from Bournemouth, is anticipated to bolster the backline. Can these new additions make a significant impact right from the start?
Osasuna enters this match with a sense of optimism, having finished ninth in La Liga last season and reached the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey. The Pamplona-based side is eager to build on their past successes and aims for a competitive performance against the reigning giants of Spanish football. Will they rise to the challenge?
In their last five encounters, Real Madrid has enjoyed a strong record against Osasuna, winning four matches and drawing once. But every match presents its own challenges, and Madrid will need to be at their best to secure a positive outcome as they embark on their quest for the La Liga crown. Are you ready for the excitement to unfold?
