Madrid, August 19(HS): A new dawn at the Santiago Bernabéu began with familiar brilliance as Kylian Mbappé’s ice-cool penalty secured Real Madrid a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over Osasuna in their La Liga opener on Tuesday.

In his first match at the helm, Xabi Alonso could not have asked for a more fitting script — a debut victory back in the stadium where he once orchestrated games as midfield maestro, now masterminding proceedings from the dugout.

Mbappé, last season’s European Golden Shoe winner, was again the difference-maker. The Frenchman won and converted the penalty just six minutes into the second half after a clumsy challenge from Juan Cruz, calmly dispatching past Sergio Herrera to ignite the Bernabéu.

That single strike was enough to stretch Madrid’s remarkable record of remaining unbeaten in every La Liga season opener since 2008, but Alonso’s men found out the hard way that Osasuna remain one of the league’s most stubborn adversaries.

A Tactical Grind at the Bernabéu

The first half was marked by frustration for the hosts, who were restricted largely to speculative efforts. New recruit Dean Huijsen tried his luck from range, while Eder Militão tested Herrera without finding reward. Mbappé himself sliced an effort wide after brilliant buildup play from Vinícius Júnior, underlining Madrid’s early struggles to break down their disciplined visitors.

But after the interval, class told. Cruz’s reckless challenge on an accelerating Mbappé left referee no choice but to point to the spot, and the French forward — who netted 31 league goals in his debut La Liga campaign — coolly delivered yet again.

Alonso’s First Moves

The night was also significant for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who made his La Liga bow following his high-profile move from Liverpool. Alonso handed debuts to Alexander-Arnold, Huijsen, and full-back Álvaro Carreras, while an exciting glimpse of the future came in the form of 18-year-old Argentine winger Franco Mastantuono, who nearly capped his cameo with a late goal.

Madrid were without Jude Bellingham, ruled out until October after shoulder surgery, but Alonso’s charges dictated the tempo once ahead, rarely allowing Osasuna a route back into the match. Aside from a missed header by Ante Budimir, the visitors barely threatened, and their night ended in frustration when Abel Bretones saw red in stoppage time for a cynical foul on Gonzalo García.

A New Era, A Familiar Hero

“It was unforgettable to return here as coach,” Alonso reflected post-match. “Tonight’s result is just the beginning. There’s work to do, but the team showed commitment and resilience.”

Madrid will be pleased to see their blockbuster forward get off the mark immediately, as Mbappé’s hunger to dominate Spanish football remains unquenched. For Alonso, it was everything he could have hoped for — a winning start to a reign full of expectation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar