Real Madrid may have edged Osasuna 1–0 in their La Liga opener, but manager Xabi Alonso is looking far beyond the scoreline.
The Spanish tactician admitted the performance lacked fluidity yet remained confident his side will sharpen up and find their rhythm as the season progresses.
A Win, but Not a Statement
Madrid bagged the three points after just two weeks of preseason work, but Alonso didn’t sugarcoat the challenges. Breaking down Osasuna’s compact defense proved tricky, and Madrid’s attack struggled to carve out clear chances.
New Faces, New Energy
One bright spark was the impact of fresh talent, including teenager Franco Mastantuono, who impressed with his composure and dynamism when brought on late in the game. Alonso praised the debutants for adapting quickly under pressure.
Building Momentum
With two more fixtures before the international break, Alonso stressed the importance of using the stretch to refine tactics and accelerate Madrid’s rhythm. For him, the narrow win wasn’t just about points on the board—it was about laying the foundation for a sharper, more dominant side.
Bottom line: The result may not have dazzled, but Alonso’s Madrid is a work in progress—focused on growth, cohesion, and finding the flow that could define their season.
