Real Madrid starting XI against Osasuna in LaLiga EA Sports
The Xabi Alonso era is ready to officially begin, with some new faces making their league debut. The pressure is on.
Real Madrid and Osasuna close out the first matchday of La Liga EA Sports 2025-26, marking the official debut of Xabi Alonso as head coach of the Spanish giants. The Basque coach is set to begin with a highly familiar starting XI, with Federico Valverde returning to action despite five key absences: Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rüdiger – suspended following his red card in the Copa del Rey final – Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham and Endrick.
There had been some uncertainty about the system, but Alonso has now made it clear: the 4-3-3 is his preferred setup. In that shape, Thibaut Courtois will start in goal, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Éder Militão, Dean Huijsen and Álex Jiménez Carreras forming the back line. Rüdiger misses out as he serves the final game of his six-match suspension after being sent off against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on April 26.
Valverde returns
The major change in midfield is the return of Valverde, one of the team’s four captains, who sat out the Tirol friendly with a right leg strain. Alongside him will be Arda Güler, whose future at Madrid looks increasingly tied to a deeper role in midfield, though he can also operate on the right wing if needed. Aurélien Tchouaméni completes the trio, shaping what looks to be Alonso’s first-choice unit in the middle.
Up front, the only question mark is on the right wing. Brahim Díaz is in line for his second consecutive start in the role, after featuring in the Austrian friendly. With Rodrygo still fighting to reclaim his place and Franco Mastantuono only just arrived, the Málaga-born attacker could see extended minutes as he pushes to establish himself early in the season.
Xabi Alonso’s likely XI for Real Madrid vs Osasuna
In summary, Madrid’s starting lineup is expected to be:
Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouaméni, Valverde, Güler; Brahim, Vinícius Jr, Mbappé.
The match will be played at the Santiago Bernabéu.
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