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Real Madrid’s new chapter under Xabi Alonso started with a whimper rather than a bang, but two unexpected heroes emerged from a possession-heavy 1-0 victory over Osasuna that prioritized control over spectacle.
The Standout Stars
While Mbappé grabbed the headlines with the winning goal, it was Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras who truly dominated the statistical battlefield at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Huijsen’s numbers tell the story of a defender reborn. The 20-year-old completed 93.8% of his passes, delivered a staggering 28 progressive passes, and registered 114 touches – more than any other defender on the pitch. His 1.755 xT gain led the entire match, proving that modern defending means much more than just stopping attacks.
Carreras matched that intensity from the left flank. The full-back touched the ball 123 times – more than anyone else on the field – with an incredible 61 of those touches coming in the final third. His 26 progressive passes and 15 progressive carries showcased exactly why Alonso has built his system around adventurous full-backs.
Possession Without Precision
Madrid dominated the ball but struggled to turn that control into clear chances. Nine of the top 10 pass completion percentages belonged to Los Blancos players, with Brahim Díaz hitting a perfect 100% accuracy and Aurélien Tchouaméni close behind at 95.2%.
Yet for all that possession, creativity remained at a premium. Six different Madrid players managed just 2 key passes each – Huijsen, Carreras, Güler, Vinícius, Díaz, and Mbappé all tied for the team lead in that crucial metric.
Mbappé’s Mixed Debut
The French superstar showed flashes of his world-class ability with 8 take-ons (match-high) and 58 touches in the final third. His 71 total touches led Madrid’s attacking line, and crucially, he delivered when it mattered most with the match’s only goal.
However, his 89.4% pass completion suggests he’s still adapting to Alonso’s possession-based approach, occasionally forcing passes that weren’t quite there.
Defensive Solidity
While Osasuna’s Valentin Rosier led all players with 9 ball recoveries, Madrid’s defensive structure held firm. Éder Militão contributed 7 recoveries for the home side, providing the security that allowed Huijsen and Carreras to venture forward so effectively.
The Alonso Effect
This wasn’t the free-flowing Madrid of old, but it showcased Alonso’s tactical fingerprints clearly. The emphasis on progressive passing, full-back involvement, and territorial dominance mirrors his playing philosophy perfectly.
With 15 progressive carries each from both Huijsen and Carreras, Madrid’s new system relies heavily on defenders who can transition play from back to front seamlessly.
Looking Forward
The 1-0 scoreline might not inspire confidence, but the underlying numbers suggest Madrid has found a sustainable template under their new manager. When your center-back leads the match in expected threat and your full-back touches the ball 123 times, you’re clearly doing something different.
Whether this possession-heavy approach can unlock tighter defenses remains to be seen, but Alonso’s Madrid has certainly made a statement about how they intend to play in 2025-26.
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