Mbappé Seals Narrow Real Madrid Win Over Osasuna.

Mbappé Seals Narrow Real Madrid Win Over Osasuna.

Player Ratings: Real Madrid 1–0 Osasuna, La Liga 2025–2026. Mbappé delivers again as Huijsen and Carreras shine in narrow win over Osasuna.
                    Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu, maintaining their strong start to the 2025–2026 La Liga campaign. Kylian Mbappé once again proved the difference-maker, winning and converting a crucial penalty to secure all three points.

Beyond the French superstar’s brilliance, standout performances from Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras provided the backbone for a compact and composed Madrid side. Below, we break down the performances of each player, analyzing their contributions in a match that required resilience and moments of individual quality to overcome a stubborn Osasuna outfit.

Starting XI
Thibaut Courtois: 7/10

Courtois had a relatively quiet evening, as Osasuna struggled to create clear-cut chances. The Belgian goalkeeper was alert when called upon, confidently claiming crosses and dealing with a couple of speculative efforts. His distribution was tidy, completing 92% of his passes, including three long balls that helped initiate attacks. While not tested extensively, Courtois’ composure ensured Madrid’s backline remained unruffled.

Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6.5/10

The English right-back is still finding his feet in Madrid’s system. Alexander-Arnold’s vision and passing range were evident, as he attempted 12 long balls, completing eight, often looking to spring Vinícius or Mbappé into space. However, his defensive positioning was exposed twice, most notably in the 37th minute when he lost his man at the far post, nearly conceding a goal. His vertical passing (78% pass accuracy) added dynamism, but he’ll need to sharpen his defensive awareness to fully adapt to La Liga’s demands.

Éder Militão: 7.5/10

Making his return from a minor injury, Militão looked sharp and authoritative. The Brazilian won 5/6 aerial duels and made three clearances, anchoring Madrid’s defense against Osasuna’s physical forwards. His long-range passing was a weapon, completing 14/16 long balls, several of which targeted Mbappé’s runs. Militão’s physicality and anticipation ensured Osasuna’s Ante Budimir was kept quiet for most of the match.

Dean Huijsen: 8.5/10

The young Dutch defender delivered a commanding performance, arguably the best on the pitch alongside Mbappé and Carreras. Huijsen marshalled the backline with maturity beyond his years, executing Madrid’s high defensive line and offside trap with precision. He won 4/5 duels, made two interceptions, and completed an impressive 16/17 long balls, showcasing his ability to break lines with his passing. His calmness under pressure and ability to read the game stifled Osasuna’s attacking transitions.

Álvaro Carreras: 8.5/10

Carreras was a revelation at left-back, delivering an outstanding two-way performance. Defensively, he was relentless, making three tackles and two interceptions while holding his own against Osasuna’s tricky wingers. Going forward, he overlapped effectively, providing an outlet for Vinícius and completing 88% of his passes. His work rate and grit were pivotal in maintaining Madrid’s balance, earning him plaudits for a near-flawless display.

Aurélien Tchouaméni: 7.5/10

Tchouaméni was a steady presence in midfield, acting as the pivot between defense and attack. He was a constant organizer in buildup, frequently receiving instructions from manager Xabi Alonso to dictate the tempo. His aerial presence was notable, as he made rare but dangerous forays into Osasuna’s box, nearly scoring from a corner. Tchouaméni completed 90% of his passes and won 3/4 duels, providing stability in a midfield that occasionally lacked fluidity.

Fede Valverde: 7/10

Valverde was quieter than usual in an attacking sense, with only one key pass and no shots on target. However, his work rate and defensive contribution were immense, particularly in the 84th minute when he made a crucial sliding challenge to halt a dangerous Osasuna counterattack. The Uruguayan covered 11.2 km, the most of any Madrid player, and completed 85% of his passes. While not his most influential game going forward, his tenacity ensured Madrid stayed in control.

Arda Güler: 7.5/10

The young Turkish playmaker showed flashes of his immense potential. Güler was instrumental in dictating Madrid’s tempo, completing 87% of his passes and making two key interceptions as part of Madrid’s high press. His defensive work rate was impressive, often tracking back to support Carreras. While he lacked the final ball to unlock Osasuna’s compact defense, this was largely due to a lack of movement in the box. Güler’s composure and work ethic suggest he’s ready for more minutes.

Brahim Díaz: 7/10

Díaz was tidy in possession, completing 90% of his passes, but struggled to progress play decisively. Positioned as the No. 10, he linked play well in tight spaces but failed to create clear chances, with only one key pass recorded. His work off the ball was commendable, pressing Osasuna’s midfielders relentlessly, but he’ll need to add more incisiveness to his game to cement a starting role.

Vinícius Júnior: 7/10

Vinícius worked tirelessly, particularly in defensive transitions, where he tracked back to support Carreras and made two tackles. Offensively, he created two chances, including a dangerous cutback in the 56th minute, but his final-third decision-making was inconsistent, with three unsuccessful dribbles and a missed opportunity to shoot in the 72nd minute. While not at his electric best, his effort and chance creation kept Osasuna’s defense on edge.

Kylian Mbappé: 9/10

The French superstar was the difference-maker once again. Mbappé sparked Madrid’s second-half resurgence, winning a penalty in the 67th minute after a mazy dribble drew a foul from Osasuna’s Catena. He calmly converted the spot-kick, sending the keeper the wrong way. Mbappé completed eight successful dribbles, created three chances, and had a shot saved in the 49th minute. His movement and relentless pressure carried Madrid through a tough match, earning him the match’s defining moment.

Substitutes
Gonzalo García: 7/10

Introduced in the 78th minute, García provided Madrid with a focal point up top. He held up play well, winning 2/3 duels, and defended a late set-piece admirably against the towering Budimir. While he didn’t have time to influence the game offensively, his physical presence helped Madrid see out the match.

Dani Ceballos: N/A

Ceballos came on in the 88th minute and had too little time to make a meaningful impact. He completed all five of his passes but wasn’t involved in any key moments.

Dani Carvajal: 7.5/10

Carvajal replaced Alexander-Arnold in the 70th minute and looked sharp defensively. He made two clearances and won 3/4 duels, showing no signs of rust after his recent absence. His experience helped Madrid manage the game’s closing stages, and his performance was a positive sign of his return to top form.

Franco Mastantuono: 8/10

The young Argentine made a confident debut off the bench in the 75th minute. Mastantuono delivered a pinpoint corner in the 81st minute that Tchouaméni nearly converted. He demanded the ball, completed 92% of his passes, and showed no fear in taking on defenders, completing two dribbles. His composure and flair suggest he could be a valuable asset as the season progresses.
Tactical Analysis

Real Madrid’s narrow victory was built on a solid defensive structure, with Huijsen and Carreras standing out for their composure and versatility. Xabi Alonso’s side pressed high in the first half but struggled to break down Osasuna’s compact 4-4-2, which relied on long balls to Budimir. Mbappé’s individual brilliance in the second half shifted the momentum, as his pace and dribbling forced Osasuna to commit fouls. The introduction of Carvajal and Mastantuono added fresh legs and stability, allowing Madrid to close out the game professionally.

Osasuna, to their credit, were disciplined and physical, limiting Madrid to just 1.2 expected goals (xG). However, their lack of creativity in the final third meant Courtois was rarely troubled. Madrid’s ability to remain patient and capitalize on a moment of quality from Mbappé was the key to unlocking a resolute Osasuna defense.

Key Moments

37th minute: Alexander-Arnold’s lapse in concentration nearly costs Madrid, as Osasuna’s winger finds space at the far post but fails to connect cleanly.

49th minute: Mbappé’s powerful shot from the edge of the box is parried by Osasuna’s goalkeeper, Sergio Herrera.

56th minute: Vinícius cuts the ball back to Güler, whose shot is blocked by a sliding defender.

67th minute: Mbappé wins and converts a penalty after being fouled by Catena, giving Madrid the lead.

81st minute: Mastantuono’s corner finds Tchouaméni, whose header is tipped over the bar.

84th minute: Valverde’s crucial sliding challenge stops a dangerous Osasuna counterattack.

Real Madrid’s 1–0 win over Osasuna was far from a vintage performance, but it showcased their ability to grind out results in challenging fixtures. Kylian Mbappé’s match-winning contribution underscored his importance to the team, while Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras delivered performances that suggest they could be long-term fixtures in this Madrid side.

Franco Mastantuono’s bright cameo off the bench also hints at exciting potential for the future. With Xabi Alonso’s tactical nous and a squad brimming with talent, Madrid continue to look like serious contenders for the La Liga title.