Kylian Mbappe’s second-half penalty gave Real Madrid a narrow 1-0 victory over Osasuna in their opening La Liga fixture of the season on Tuesday, ensuring Xabi Alonso began his league reign with three points.
Madrid were frustrated throughout the first half by a resolute Osasuna defence, but six minutes after the interval Mbappe won a penalty and calmly converted to break the deadlock.
The French striker’s goal settled the contest, although the hosts continued to push for a second without success. Osasuna nearly punished them late on when Ante Budimir headed over from close range, squandering the chance to level.
The visitors’ hopes ended in stoppage time when Abel Bretones was dismissed for an off-the-ball foul on Gonzalo Garcia. Real held on for a winning, if unconvincing, start to their league campaign as they aim to reclaim the title from Barcelona.