Real Madrid kicked off their league campaign with a sluggish 1-0 win against Osasuna in the Bernabeu.
The game was as you’d expect with Osasuna sitting back and absorbing pressure and Madrid struggling to break them down and just passing the ball to find the space. Mbappe managed to win a pen and converted it to break the deadlock giving Madrid the win.
We also got our first glimpse of Madrid’s signings for this season and we will evaluate how each of them fared.
Franco Mastantuono
Franco Mastantuono didn’t start the game but got a decent amount of playing time as he was subbed in the 68th minute.
He had some nice touches, completed 17/19 passes, and managed to create a chance on goal.
It was a pretty good cameo from the 18-year-old as he showed flashes of what he brings and Madrid fans seem to like him as they applauded when he got subbed on.
Alvaro Carreras
Alvaro Carreras got the expected start at left back and completed the full 90 in his Madrid debut.
He was accurate with his passes, completing 89% of them, and was constantly overlapping Vinicius giving him an outlet for his take-ons.
There wasn’t much defending for him to do but he recovered the ball quickly when needed. Overall, he played decently given the state of the game and seems like an easy upgrade over Ferland Mendy.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent had a pretty below average game especially for his standards. The most surprising part was the fact that he was struggling in aspects of the game he’s best known for.
He was 1/7 in accurate crosses and was 0/4 on long balls which is usually what he excels at. He looked unsure about his long passes and the stats show he was pretty inaccuarte throughout the game.
His defensive weaknesses weren’t exposed as there wasn’t much defending to do, but it’s more disappointing that he struggled in areas where he should thrive in.
Dean Huijsen
Dean Hujsen was very strong in his Madrid debut as his abilities were on full display. His passing was accurate as you’d expect and he even created the most chances in the game.
His clearances were also very good as he managed seven clearances and six of them with his head, already showing his physical gifts.
Overall, it was a very good showing for the young Spaniard as he continues to shine as one of the best youngsters in the world.
