Real Madrid begin their 2025/26 La Liga campaign on Tuesday night with a trip to El Sadar, where they’ll face a confident Osasuna side looking to build on last season’s strong finish.
Last season, Real Madrid ended up second in the league, just four points behind arch-rivals Barcelona. Osasuna also had a commendable run, finishing ninth and narrowly missing out on European qualification after tying on points with eighth-placed Rayo Vallecano.
Osasuna have had a quiet transfer window, adding just two players to their squad. Victor Muñoz arrived from Real Madrid, while Valentin Rosier was signed on a free from Leganés. On the flip side, they've seen the departure of several key players including Jesús Areso, who joined Athletic Bilbao, and veterans Pablo Ibáñez, Rubén Peña, and Unai García.
Under coach Alessio Lisci, Osasuna will hope to remain a competitive force this season. Their pre-season wasn’t too encouraging, winning just once in five games, with their only victory coming against Mirandés.
For Real Madrid, this marks the beginning of a new chapter under manager Xabi Alonso. The club has made four major signings this summer: Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Argentine wonderkid Franco Mastantuono. Their only warm-up game before the season opener was a dominant 4–0 win over WSG Tirol, with goals from Rodrygo, Éder Militão, and a brace from Kylian Mbappé.
Real also featured in the 2025 Club World Cup, making it to the semi-finals before suffering a heavy 4–0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, who eventually lost to Chelsea in the final. Despite that setback, expectations remain high for Alonso’s side, especially with Barcelona already off to a strong start following their 3–0 win over nine-man Mallorca.
Historically, Real Madrid have had the upper hand in this fixture. They haven’t lost to Osasuna in La Liga since January 2011. However, the last meeting between the two ended in a 1–1 draw back in February 2025, showing that Osasuna are capable of causing problems, especially at home.
As both teams gear up for the new season, this fixture promises to offer an early glimpse into what we can expect from them in the months ahead. For Real Madrid, it’s a must-win to keep pace with Barcelona. For Osasuna, it’s a chance to prove they can compete with the league’s best once again.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Real Madrid will be without Antonio Rüdiger for their La Liga opener, as the centre-back is still serving a six-game domestic suspension handed out at the end of last season. His ban carries over into the new campaign, leaving a gap in the heart of Madrid’s defence.
The injury list adds further headaches for Xabi Alonso. Jude Bellingham and Brazilian youngster Endrick are both ruled out due to injury, while Ferland Mendy and Eduardo Camavinga are also likely to miss the match as they work on their fitness. That leaves Alonso with some early-season selection dilemmas.
Dani Ceballos, who has been linked with a possible move away from the club, may be called upon to start in midfield if Federico Valverde isn’t passed fit in time. At the back, fans could see La Liga debuts for summer signings Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Álvaro Carreras.
Franco Mastantuono, the highly-rated teenage talent signed from River Plate, could also make his debut. With Rodrygo’s future still uncertain amid ongoing transfer speculation, Brahim Díaz may be given a starting role up front alongside Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.
On the Osasuna side, both Rubén García and Iker Benito are doubts and will face late fitness tests ahead of the match. New signing Valentin Rosier is expected to start at right-back, while fellow newcomer Víctor Muñoz may begin the game on the bench. Moi Gómez could get the nod on the left flank.
Up front, Osasuna will once again rely on Ante Budimir, who had a standout 2024–25 season with 21 league goals. The Croatian striker remains a key figure in their attack as they aim to start the season strong at home.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Guler, Tchouameni, Valverde; Brahim, Mbappe, Vinicius
Osasuna possible starting lineup:
Herrera; Rosier, Catena, Boyomo, Bretones; Torro, Moncayola, Oroz; K Barja, Budimir, M Gomez
EXPERT PREDICTION
Real Madrid 3-0 Osasuna
