The wait is over. Spanish football enthusiasts are bracing themselves for the commencement of the 2025-26 La Liga season, and with it, the highly anticipated opening match for Real Madrid. On Tuesday, August 19, the legendary Santiago Bernabeu Stadium will host a familiar fixture as Real Madrid welcomes Osasuna, signaling the start of what promises to be another thrilling chapter in the storied history of Spanish football. This encounter is more than just a season opener; it`s a statement of intent for the reigning European giants.
Real Madrid`s Unfinished Business
Last season, Real Madrid finished a respectable second in the La Liga standings, a mere four points adrift of rivals Barcelona. While a strong campaign by any measure, for a club synonymous with winning, finishing as runners-up often feels like unfinished business. This drive for supremacy is palpable as they approach the new season, armed with a formidable squad and renewed determination.
The pre-season offered a glimpse into Real Madrid`s readiness, as they comfortably dispatched Austrian club WSG Tirol with a resounding 4-0 victory. Such results, while only friendlies, serve as important confidence boosters and indicators of tactical readiness. The fluidity in their play and efficiency in front of goal suggest a team eager to assert dominance from the first whistle of the competitive season.
Osasuna: The Unyielding Underdog
Standing in Real Madrid`s path on opening day is Osasuna, a team that concluded the previous season in a respectable ninth position. Osasuna`s strength lies in their resilience and disciplined approach, qualities that have often troubled bigger teams. Their pre-season form also indicated readiness, securing a 3-0 win against La Liga 2 side Mirandes.
Facing Real Madrid at the Bernabeu is, for many teams, less about securing points and more about limiting damage. Yet, Osasuna`s history suggests they are not one to simply roll over. They will undoubtedly arrive with a clear strategy, aiming to disrupt Madrid`s rhythm and capitalize on any nascent season jitters from the hosts. Their challenge is formidable, a true David vs. Goliath narrative, yet one they will approach with their characteristic tenacity.
The Kylian Mbappe Factor: A New Dawn?
The most significant narrative swirling around Real Madrid this season, and particularly this opening match, is the full integration and anticipated impact of Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman`s inaugural La Liga season saw him dazzle, netting an astonishing 31 goals in 34 league matches to claim the coveted Golden Boot. He further solidified his reputation with seven goals in Champions League play. His pre-season form, including a brace against WSG Tirol, indicates he’s ready to continue that prolific pace.
Mbappe`s presence transforms Real Madrid`s attack from formidable to truly terrifying. His speed, clinical finishing, and ability to create chances out of nothing are unparalleled. The expectations are immense, and rightfully so. For football purists, observing how he leads the line and combines with the existing talent at Real Madrid will be a key storyline not just for this match, but for the entire 2025-26 campaign.
Key Expectations for the Match:
- Kylian Mbappe`s continued scoring prowess: All eyes will be on whether he can pick up where he left off.
- Real Madrid`s attacking dominance: After last season`s near miss, the team is expected to start with an aggressive, high-scoring approach.
- Osasuna`s defensive fortitude: Can they withstand the Bernabeu onslaught and frustrate Real Madrid?
Setting the Tone for the Season
This opening fixture against Osasuna is more than just three points for Real Madrid; it`s an opportunity to lay down a marker for the entire 2025-26 La Liga season. A dominant performance, especially one punctuated by goals from their star striker, would send a clear message to Barcelona and other title contenders: Real Madrid is here to reclaim their throne.
For Osasuna, while the odds are stacked against them, a resolute display, even in defeat, could provide a foundation for their season. Avoiding a rout and showing tactical discipline would be a victory in itself, setting them up for more favorable encounters later in the campaign.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff at the Santiago Bernabeu, the football world watches. Will Real Madrid announce their title intentions with a flourish, powered by the incredible talent of Kylian Mbappe? Or will Osasuna provide an unexpected early season challenge? Regardless of the outcome, the 2025-26 La Liga season promises excitement, drama, and world-class football, starting right here in Madrid.
Dominic Ashworth