Osasuna Falls 1-0 to Real Madrid in Season Opener

Club Atlético Osasuna opened its 2025-26 season with a narrow 1-0 loss to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday night. Despite a stalemate after the first half, a penalty early in the second half was converted by forward Kylian Mbappé to secure the victory for the Merengues.

The first half saw the home side maintaining possession and trying to create scoring opportunities, but a solid Osasuna backline prevented any significant threats to goalkeeper Sergio Herrera. Real Madrid's initial chances came from defenders Dean Huijsen and Éder Militão, whose long-distance efforts were both thwarted by Herrera.

Osasuna managed to push forward with counterattacks, creating their first opportunity when forward Ante Budimir collected a rebound just outside the box, but his right-footed shot went wide of the target.

In the second half, Madrid continued to dominate, inching closer to Osasuna's goal. Just five minutes in, Mbappé drew a penalty and successfully converted it, putting Madrid ahead. Head coach Alessio Lisci's squad sought to equalize, and in the 64th minute, defender Abel Bretones had a chance, but goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made a save to preserve the lead.

As the match approached its conclusion, Budimir had another opportunity, but his header sailed over the crossbar. In stoppage time, the referee issued a red card to Bretones for a foul, to which VAR did not intervene to review the decision.

Osasuna will now look to bounce back in their home opener against Valencia C.F. on Sunday, August 24, at El Sadar. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. CET (4 p.m. BST/11 a.m. ET).