Real Madrid triumph over Osasuna in La Liga's inaugural match, thanks to Mbappe's heroics
Real Madrid Kick Off New Season with Win Against Osasuna
Real Madrid started their 2022-23 La Liga campaign on a positive note, securing a 1-0 victory over Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu. This marks the club's unbeaten run in their opening fixture of a league campaign since 2008.
Kylian Mbappe, the French striker and last season's European Golden Shoe winner, was the hero of the day, scoring the only goal of the game six minutes into the second half. The goal came after Mbappe was fouled in the area by Osasuna defender Juan Cruz, resulting in a penalty kick which Mbappe converted with ease, marking his first goal of the new season.
The goal was enough to secure a win for Carlo Ancelotti's side, who are aiming to recover from a disappointing end to the previous season, having lost both domestic and European titles. Mbappe, now wearing the number 10 shirt, previously held by Luka Modric, expressed his desire to improve individual and collective performance and inspire his team-mates.
Trent Alexander-Arnold made his La Liga debut after his move from Liverpool, with Dani Carvajal replacing him in the second half. Carvajal, a Spain international, came off the bench for his first league appearance since October after a long-term knee injury. Alonso introduced Franco Mastantuono, an 18-year-old Argentine winger, midway through the second half.
Osasuna, who finished ninth last season, posed a challenge for Madrid, with long-range efforts from Dean Huijsen and Eder Militao in the first half. However, Osasuna's Abel Bretones was sent off in stoppage time for unsportsmanlike conduct, marring their performance.
Osasuna's goalkeeper, Sergio Herrera, made several saves during the match, including ones against Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. Ante Budimir had a rare opportunity for Osasuna but failed to capitalize, and Mastantuono was denied a goal by Herrera late in the game.
Madrid are currently missing Jude Bellingham due to a shoulder injury, expected to recover in October. The team will be hoping to build on this victory as they continue their quest for glory in the new season.
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