Bhubaneswar : Xabi Alonso’s reign as Real Madrid manager officially begins on Tuesday, August 19, when his side host Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu in the LaLiga 2025–26 season opener. The club released its squad list, featuring a mix of established stars, summer signings, and academy graduates.
The call-up includes Courtois, Lunin, Sergio Mestre; Carvajal, Militão, Alaba, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Á. Carreras, Fran García, Asencio, Huijsen; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Arda Güler, Ceballos, Thiago; and forwards Vinícius Jr., Mbappé, Rodrygo, Gonzalo, Brahim, and Mastantuono.
Key Players Missing Through Suspension And Injury
Alonso’s debut will be complicated by several absentees. Defender Antonio Rüdiger is suspended, while Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, Endrick, and Ferland Mendy are all out injured.
The absences have opened the door for youth players such as goalkeeper Sergio Mestre and midfielder Thiago Pitarch, signaling Alonso’s readiness to integrate La Fábrica talent into the first team.
Osasuna Set To Target Mbappé
Osasuna manager Alessio Lisci has admitted his team’s preparation has centered on trying to contain Kylian Mbappé, Madrid’s headline summer arrival. “We’ve studied him carefully and designed specific defensive plans,” Lisci said ahead of the match.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, are expected to lean on the French superstar alongside Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo in attack, offering a glimpse of what could be one of the most feared forward lines in Europe.
New Faces Step Into The Spotlight
This season marks the first in more than a decade without Luka Modrić, who is no longer included in the squad. In his place, the spotlight falls on new arrivals such as right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, center-back Dean Huijsen, and midfielder Arda Güler.
With Alonso at the helm, Madrid are entering a new chapter—balancing youthful promise, fresh signings, and global stars – with expectations already soaring for immediate success.
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