Real Madrid will be aiming to kick off their 2025–26 La Liga campaign with a statement victory as they travel to El Sadar Stadium on Tuesday night to face Osasuna, a side that continues to punch above its weight and will once again be targeting a top-half finish this season. The clash marks the beginning of a new chapter for both clubs, each with its own ambitions and challenges. For Los Blancos, the mission is clear: reclaim domestic supremacy and mount a serious challenge across all competitions. For Osasuna, the goal is more modest but no less significant—solidify their status as a consistent top-half team and perhaps flirt with European qualification once again.
Last season, Real Madrid finished second in La Liga, trailing champions Barcelona by four points. It was a campaign that saw flashes of brilliance but ultimately fell short of expectations, especially given the club’s pedigree and the talent at its disposal. Meanwhile, Osasuna ended the season in ninth place, level on points with eighth-placed Rayo Vallecano, who secured a spot in the Conference League playoff round. Osasuna’s record of 12 wins, 16 draws, and 10 defeats from 38 matches reflected a team that was difficult to beat but often lacked the cutting edge to turn stalemates into victories. Their 52-point haul was commendable and underscored their consistency, even if it left them just shy of European football.
Now entering their seventh consecutive season in Spain’s top flight, Osasuna have become a fixture in La Liga, no longer viewed as relegation fodder but rather as a team capable of troubling the elite on their day. Under the guidance of Alessio Lisci, they have developed a resilient and tactically disciplined identity. However, their summer transfer activity has been notably subdued. Only two new faces have arrived—Victor Munoz from Real Madrid and Valentin Rosier on a free transfer from Leganes. While these additions may provide depth, they are unlikely to dramatically alter the team’s trajectory. On the flip side, the departures of Jesus Areso to Athletic Bilbao, along with Pablo Ibanez, Ruben Pena, and Unai Garcia, have thinned the squad, raising questions about whether Osasuna can maintain their level without reinforcements.
Pre-season offered limited insight into Osasuna’s readiness. Lisci’s men played five friendlies, managing just one win, which came in their final outing against Mirandes. While results in pre-season are rarely definitive, the lack of victories may hint at underlying issues, particularly in attack. Real Madrid, in contrast, played just one friendly, but it was a convincing 4-0 win over WSG Tirol. Eder Militao and Rodrygo found the net, while new signing Kylian Mbappe announced his arrival with a brace, offering a tantalizing glimpse of what he could bring to the Spanish giants.
Real Madrid’s summer was also shaped by their participation in the 2025 Club World Cup. The tournament saw them reach the semi-finals, only to suffer a humbling 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain—a result that exposed vulnerabilities and served as a wake-up call ahead of the new season. PSG would go on to lose to Chelsea in the final, but for Madrid, the focus quickly shifted to domestic matters and the need to regroup. Manager Xabi Alonso, entering his second full season at the helm, has overseen a busy transfer window, bringing in Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Franco Mastantuono. These signings reflect a blend of youth and experience, with Alexander-Arnold’s arrival from Liverpool particularly eye-catching given his pedigree and versatility.
The pressure on Alonso is immense. Real Madrid are expected to challenge for every major trophy, and with Barcelona already off to a flying start—beating nine-man Mallorca 3-0 on opening weekend—the margin for error is slim. The Catalan giants have laid down an early marker, and Madrid must respond. Historically, Los Blancos have dominated Osasuna, not losing to them in La Liga since January 2011. However, their most recent encounter ended in a 1-1 draw in February 2025, a result that serves as a reminder that past dominance does not guarantee future success.
Complicating matters for Alonso are a slew of absentees. Antonio Rudiger is suspended, serving the remainder of a six-game domestic ban from last season. Injuries have also hit hard, with Jude Bellingham and Endrick ruled out, while Ferland Mendy and Eduardo Camavinga are unlikely to feature due to fitness concerns. These setbacks leave Alonso with selection headaches, particularly in midfield and defense. Dani Ceballos, who has been linked with a move away, may be called upon if Federico Valverde fails to prove his fitness. The backline could see La Liga debuts for Alexander-Arnold, Huijsen, and Carreras, a trio that will need to gel quickly under the spotlight.
Franco Mastantuono, the teenage sensation signed from River Plate, is also in line for his debut. His inclusion adds intrigue, as fans are eager to see how he adapts to the demands of Spanish football. In attack, uncertainty surrounds Rodrygo’s future, which could open the door for Brahim Diaz to start alongside Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. This trio, if deployed, promises pace, flair, and unpredictability—qualities that could unsettle Osasuna’s defense.
On the other side, Osasuna have their own fitness concerns. Ruben Garcia and Iker Benito are facing late tests to determine their availability. Valentin Rosier is expected to start at right-back, making his debut, while Victor Munoz may begin on the bench, with Moi Gomez likely to feature on the left flank. The focal point of Osasuna’s attack will once again be Ante Budimir, who enjoyed a stellar 2024–25 season, scoring 21 goals in La Liga. His physical presence and clinical finishing make him a constant threat, and Real Madrid’s defense will need to be alert to his movements.
As the match approaches, the narrative is rich with subplots. Can Real Madrid overcome their injury woes and start the season with a win? Will Mbappe’s league debut live up to the hype? Can Osasuna defy the odds and frustrate one of Spain’s giants? The answers will unfold under the lights at El Sadar, a venue known for its passionate atmosphere and ability to inspire the home side. For both teams, this is more than just an opening fixture—it’s a chance to set the tone for the season ahead, to make a statement, and to show that their ambitions are more than just words.
In the grander scheme, this match encapsulates the beauty of La Liga. It’s a league where giants like Real Madrid and Barcelona dominate headlines, but where teams like Osasuna can still dream, still challenge, and still surprise. The tactical battle between Alonso and Lisci will be fascinating, with both managers needing to adapt to personnel constraints and exploit weaknesses. For fans, it promises drama, intensity, and moments of brilliance. Whether it’s a thunderous strike from Mbappe, a clever assist from Vinicius, or a towering header from Budimir, the stage is set for a compelling encounter.
Ultimately, while Real Madrid enter as favorites, football is rarely predictable. The weight of expectation can be both a motivator and a burden. Osasuna, with nothing to lose, may find freedom in their underdog status, while Madrid must navigate the pressure that comes with being perennial contenders. As the whistle blows and the ball begins to roll, all eyes will be on El Sadar, where two teams with contrasting histories but shared aspirations will begin their journey through another thrilling La Liga season.
