Real Madrid vs Osasuna: La Liga Opener Preview & Predictions

As the 2025-2026 La Liga season ignites, the iconic Santiago Bernabéu is set to host a thrilling encounter between Real Madrid and CA Osasuna. This match not only marks the beginning of a new campaign for both teams but also sets the stage for what promises to be an enthralling season of Spanish football. Real Madrid, under new leadership, will be eager to stamp their authority early on, while Osasuna aims to play the role of disruptor, challenging the status quo. This preview dives deep into the tactical setups, key players, and potential storylines that could unfold in this highly anticipated clash.

Match Overview

Circle your calendars! The match is set for Tuesday, August 19th, with the whistle blowing at 20:00 BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT. The battleground is none other than the legendary Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, Spain. Overseeing the game will be referee Adrián Cordero, with Trujillo Suárez keeping a close watch on VAR, ensuring fair play and accurate decisions.

For those eager to catch the action live, here's a breakdown of broadcasting details. In the UK, Premier Sports 2 will be your go-to channel. Across the pond in the US, options abound with ESPN+, ESPN Deportes, and FuboTV offering coverage. Canadian viewers can tune in via TSN+ and Prime Video. Down in Mexico, Sky Sports has you covered. And for the local fans in Spain, DAZN Spain, Movistar+, Amazon Prime Video, DAZN LaLiga, DAZN LaLiga 2, and LaLiga TV Bar HD are the channels to watch.

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Real Madrid, now with the tactical maestro Xabi Alonso at the helm, is anticipated to unleash a formidable lineup. Here’s the predicted starting XI:

• Courtois
• Carreras
• Huijsen
• Militão
• Alexander-Arnold
• Güler
• Tchouaméni
• Valverde
• Vinícius Júnior
• Mbappé
• Díaz

The bench is equally strong, featuring Alaba, Mastantuono, and Rodrygo, providing Alonso with strategic depth and versatility to adapt to the game's evolving dynamics.

Osasuna, under the guidance of Alessio Lisci, is expected to adopt a resilient 3-4-3 formation, aimed at stifling Real Madrid’s attacking threats while capitalizing on swift counter-attacks:

• Herrera
• Cruz
• Catena
• Boyomo
• Bretones
• Torró
• Moncayola
• Rosier
• Oroz
• Budimir
• Rubén García

The substitutes' bench includes Herrando, Chasco, and Raúl García, offering Lisci options to inject fresh energy and tactical tweaks as the match progresses.

Head-to-Head Record

Historically, Real Madrid has enjoyed dominance over Osasuna. The following table details their last five encounters, providing a snapshot of their competitive history:

The record indicates Real Madrid securing 4 victories compared to Osasuna's 0, with only 1 draw. Their most recent clash concluded in a 1-1 draw on Feb 15, 2025, suggesting Osasuna's growing resilience against the Spanish giants.

Key Match Events (First Half)

The first half of the match unfolded with strategic intensity, marked by:

• 1' - Kick-off: The 2025-26 La Liga season officially commences for Real Madrid!
• 45' - Two minutes of stoppage time are added, heightening the tension before the break.
• Half-time: The scoreboard reads Real Madrid 0-0 Osasuna, setting the stage for a potentially explosive second half.

Halftime statistics painted a picture of Real Madrid's dominance in possession, holding 77.7% of the ball compared to Osasuna's 22.3%. Real Madrid unleashed 3 shots on goal from 10 attempts, while Osasuna struggled to create opportunities, registering 0 shots on target from a single attempt. Fouls were evenly contested with 5 for Real Madrid and 7 for Osasuna. Neither team received any cards, reflecting a disciplined approach. Real Madrid earned 3 corners, while Osasuna had none. Osasuna's goalkeeper was kept busy, making 3 crucial saves to keep his team in the game.

Community Reactions and Insights

The atmosphere surrounding the match is electric, with ticket sales soaring and fan enthusiasm reaching fever pitch. Madridistas are eagerly anticipating the team's inaugural game of the season, filling social media with their excitement. Some fans are even seeking to resell their tickets due to unforeseen circumstances, underscoring the high demand for witnessing the action live at the Bernabéu. One fan shared on Reddit, “Hey fellow madridistas, I enthusiastically bought a ticket for the game against Osasuna, however I can no longer attend the game... Do you have any idea if I can get a refund from the club? I tried but received a negative answer, but maybe some of you have success stories regarding this.”

The match is also sparking interest within the women's football community, with discussions emerging about potential Real Madrid fan groups. A user on r/WomensSoccer inquired, “Es posible que me haya mudado a Madrid el año próximo. Quisiera saber si hay un grupo de aficionados solo para el Real Madrid Liga F club. ¿Puede alguien ayudarme? Gracias.” This indicates a growing and inclusive fanbase that extends beyond the men's team.

In addition, pre-match press conferences and training sessions are being closely monitored, with snippets and updates rapidly circulating across social media platforms. A recent post highlighted, “Team continues to prepare for Osasuna clash! | Real Madrid,” accompanied by a link to exclusive training footage.

Tactical Preview and Key Battles

Real Madrid's dynamic 4-3-3 formation, spearheaded by the electrifying duo of Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, presents a formidable challenge to Osasuna's defensive setup. The midfield contest between Güler, Tchouaméni, and Valverde against Osasuna's Torró and Moncayola will be pivotal in dictating the flow and tempo of the game. Control in midfield will be crucial for either side to assert dominance.

Osasuna's strategic 3-4-3 formation aims to provide a robust defensive shield while exploiting opportunities to launch swift counter-attacks through the likes of Budimir and Rubén García. Their ability to contain Real Madrid’s dynamic wingers and stifle their creative midfielders will be critical to their chances of securing a positive result on the road.

Predictions

Considering Real Madrid's historical dominance in this fixture and the sheer firepower of their attacking arsenal, they enter the match as clear favorites. However, Osasuna's renowned resilience and tactical discipline should not be underestimated, potentially transforming this encounter into a closely contested affair. Expect a high-octane match with plenty of goalmouth action, but Real Madrid are likely to emerge victorious.

A score prediction leaning towards a 3-1 victory for Real Madrid appears plausible, given their attacking prowess combined with the advantage of playing in front of their passionate home supporters. Nevertheless, Osasuna's ability to score could make the game more competitive.

Additional Insights

The anticipation surrounding the match extends across various platforms, from ticket resale forums to betting communities, underscoring the widespread interest and engagement it commands. One Reddit user shared an intriguing betting tip: "Real Madrid vs Osasuna - Goal Range 2-6 Gillingham vs Chesterfield - Goal Range 2-6 Port Vale vs Stevenage - Goal Range 2-6 ODDS 2.56." While such tips should be approached with caution, they reflect the widespread excitement and investment in the outcome of the game.

Moreover, historical milestones, such as the celebration of Zinédine Zidane's Real Madrid debut on August 19, 2001, add to the sense of occasion, reminding fans of the club's illustrious history and the weight of expectations that accompany wearing the iconic white jersey. This nostalgia serves as a powerful connection between past legends and the current squad.

As the highly anticipated match draws nearer, fans from around the globe are eagerly awaiting what promises to be an enthralling start to the La Liga season. Whether you’re fortunate enough to witness the spectacle from the stands or tuning in from the comfort of your home, Real Madrid vs Osasuna is poised to deliver a memorable and captivating footballing experience.

Where to Watch

Here are the broadcasting details for fans around the globe:

• United Kingdom: Premier Sports 2
• United States: ESPN+, ESPN Deportes, FuboTV
• Canada: TSN+, Prime Video
• Mexico: Sky Sports
• Spain: DAZN Spain, Movistar+, Amazon Prime Video, DAZN LaLiga, DAZN LaLiga 2, LaLiga TV Bar HD

Conclusion

The electrifying clash between Real Madrid and Osasuna promises to ignite the La Liga season with passion, skill, and drama. With Real Madrid's star-studded lineup and Osasuna's unwavering resilience, football enthusiasts can anticipate a captivating encounter at the hallowed grounds of the Santiago Bernabéu. This match is more than just a game; it's a statement of intent for the season ahead.