Real Madrid 1-0 Osasuna: Top 10 Players
- Pamplona - August 20, 2025 - Real Madrid began their 2025-26 La Liga campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Osasuna, marking a new chapter under manager Xabi...
- the match wasn't a showcase of attacking fireworks, but rather a exhibition of Real Madrid's ability to control the flow of the game thru sustained possession.
- Several players stood out in orchestrating this possession-based approach.
Real Madrid’s Possession-Based Victory Over Osasuna Signals New Era Under Alonso
Table of Contents
Pamplona – August 20, 2025 – Real Madrid began their 2025-26 La Liga campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Osasuna, marking a new chapter under manager Xabi Alonso. While the scoreline was narrow, the match revealed a clear tactical emphasis on possession and controlled build-up play, a departure from previous, more direct approaches.
Dominating Possession, Dictating Tempo
the match wasn’t a showcase of attacking fireworks, but rather a exhibition of Real Madrid’s ability to control the flow of the game thru sustained possession. The team’s passing accuracy was exceptional, with nine of the top ten players in pass completion wearing white. Brahim Díaz led the way with a perfect 100% completion rate, closely followed by Aurélien Tchouaméni at 95.2%. This commitment to keeping the ball wasn’t simply about statistics; it was about dictating the tempo and wearing down the Osasuna defense.
Key Performers Drive the Midfield Engine
Several players stood out in orchestrating this possession-based approach. Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras were particularly influential, delivering the most progressive passes - 28 and 26 respectively – consistently pushing the play forward. Both players also topped the charts for progressive carries with 15 each, demonstrating their ability to advance the ball with their feet. carreras,in particular,was a workhorse,leading all players with 123 total touches and 61 touches in the final third. Huijsen wasn’t far behind,registering 114 touches.
| Player | Total Touches | Touches in Final third | Progressive Passes | Progressive Carries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Álvaro Carreras | 123 | 61 | 26 | 15 |
| Dean Huijsen | 114 | 16 | 28 | 15 |
| Arda Güler | 92 | – | – | – |
Attacking Threat and Defensive Solidity
While possession was key, Real Madrid also demonstrated attacking intent. Kylian Mbappé proved decisive, being involved in the match-winning goal and consistently threatening the Osasuna defense. He led the match with eight take-ons and contributed two key passes, tying with Huijsen, Carreras, Arda Güler, Vinícius Júnior, and Díaz. Defensively, Éder Militão was a standout, making seven ball recoveries, second only to Osasuna’s Valentin Rosier (nine), highlighting Real Madrid’s defensive security.
Huijsen’s All-Round Excellence
Dean Huijsen delivered a truly exceptional performance, showcasing his versatility and impact on both sides of the ball.Completing 93.8% of his passes, delivering 28 progressive passes, and contributing two key passes, Huijsen also generated a match-leading 1.755 xT (expected threat) gain. His 114 touches underscored his involvement in the build-up play, and his 16 touches in the final third demonstrated his willingness to contribute in advanced areas.
Carreras: The Engine on the Left
Álvaro Carreras was a constant threat down the left flank, leading the match in both total touches (123) and touches in the final third (61).His ability to consistently find space and deliver progressive passes (26) and carries (15) made him a crucial component of Real Madrid’s attacking build-up. his four ball recoveries also demonstrated his commitment to defensive duties.