Real Madrid begin their 2025/26 La Liga campaign on Tuesday night with a trip to El Sadar Stadium, where they face an Osasuna side once again targeting a top-half finish.
Los Blancos Seek Fast Start in Title Race
After finishing second last season, four points behind champions Barcelona, Real Madrid know they cannot afford early slip-ups in their pursuit of the league crown. Xabi Alonso’s men arrive in Pamplona under pressure to start strongly, especially with Barcelona already collecting three points courtesy of a 3-0 win over Mallorca.
Madrid’s summer was a mix of promise and frustration. They recorded a convincing 4-0 friendly win over WSG Tirol — with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice — but their Club World Cup campaign ended in a disappointing 4-0 semi-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Still, four new signings have strengthened Alonso’s squad: Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and highly rated Argentine teenager Franco Mastantuono.
Madrid have a dominant record over Osasuna, unbeaten in La Liga against them since 2011, although their most recent meeting in February ended 1-1.
Osasuna Aiming High Again
Osasuna enjoyed a strong 2024/25 campaign, finishing ninth with 52 points, level with eighth-placed Rayo Vallecano. Alessio Lisci’s men once again proved difficult to beat, drawing 16 league matches. The target this term is to secure another top-half finish and, if possible, push toward European qualification.
Their transfer business has been modest, with Víctor Muñoz arriving from Real Madrid and Valentin Rosier joining from Leganés. Departures included Jesús Areso to Athletic Bilbao and Pablo Ibáñez to Mirandés. Pre-season form was mixed (DLLLW), but they ended on a high with a win over Mirandés, boosting morale ahead of this daunting opener.
Team News
Real Madrid will be without Antonio Rüdiger, whose suspension from last season carries into the new campaign. Injuries also rule out Jude Bellingham and Endrick, while Ferland Mendy and Eduardo Camavinga are unlikely to feature. Federico Valverde faces a late fitness test, meaning Dani Ceballos could be drafted in if required.
Debuts are on the cards for Alexander-Arnold, Huijsen, and Carreras in defense, while Mastantuono may be involved in midfield. In attack, with Rodrygo’s future still uncertain, Brahim Díaz could start alongside Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.
For Osasuna, Rubén García and Iker Benito are doubtful due to fitness issues. Rosier is expected to debut at right-back, while Muñoz may feature from the bench. Star striker Ante Budimir, who scored 21 league goals last season, will once again lead the line.
Possible Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Güler, Tchouaméni, Valverde; Brahim, Mbappé, Vinícius.
Possible Osasuna XI: Herrera; Rosier, Catena, Boyomo, Bretones; Torró, Moncayola, Oroz; Kike Barja, Budimir, Moi Gómez.
Prediction
Osasuna are a resilient side, capable of making this opener tricky for Madrid. Their compact shape and Budimir’s threat in attack could trouble Los Blancos. However, Alonso’s men boast superior quality and, even with notable absentees, should have enough firepower to secure a win on the road.
We say: Osasuna 0-2 Real Madrid