Mbappe lifts Real past Osasuna in La Liga opener
Mbappe lifted Real Madrid to its first La Liga victory under new boss Xabi Alonso. Photo: Reuters
Kylian Mbappe struck from the penalty spot as Real Madrid beat a dogged Osasuna 1-0 on Tuesday to make a winning start in La Liga under new coach Xabi Alonso.
The France striker, last season's European Golden Shoe winner, scored early in the second half after he was fouled in the area by Osasuna defender Juan Cruz.
It was enough to seal the points in Alonso's first game in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Madrid now unbeaten in their opening fixture of a league campaign since 2008.
"You can see that Kylian wants to do even more after this first year where he did great things," said Alonso.
Mbappe finished as La Liga's top scorer with 31 goals in his first season in Spain, and is now wearing the number 10 shirt vacated by Luka Modric after the Croatian left for AC Milan last month.
"I don't know if it's linked to the new number or not, or simply to his desire to win, but he wants to improve individual and collective performance and inspire his team-mates," added Alonso.
"You can see his desire every day," he added. "Today he created those decisive moments that enable us to win matches."
Madrid had a shortened pre-season after their run to the Club World Cup semi-finals in July, but Alonso has been adamant that would not be used as an excuse after their request for the Osasuna match to be postponed to a later date was rejected.
"To start on the right foot is key in La Liga. We know we weren't well prepared," Madrid defender Dani Carvajal said. "But we basically didn't suffer and it was a complete display."
Spain international Carvajal came off the bench for his first league appearance since October after a long-term knee injury, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold in the second half. (AFP)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RTHK
4 hours ago
- RTHK
Mbappe lifts Real past Osasuna in La Liga opener
Mbappe lifts Real past Osasuna in La Liga opener Mbappe lifted Real Madrid to its first La Liga victory under new boss Xabi Alonso. Photo: Reuters Kylian Mbappe struck from the penalty spot as Real Madrid beat a dogged Osasuna 1-0 on Tuesday to make a winning start in La Liga under new coach Xabi Alonso. The France striker, last season's European Golden Shoe winner, scored early in the second half after he was fouled in the area by Osasuna defender Juan Cruz. It was enough to seal the points in Alonso's first game in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Madrid now unbeaten in their opening fixture of a league campaign since 2008. "You can see that Kylian wants to do even more after this first year where he did great things," said Alonso. Mbappe finished as La Liga's top scorer with 31 goals in his first season in Spain, and is now wearing the number 10 shirt vacated by Luka Modric after the Croatian left for AC Milan last month. "I don't know if it's linked to the new number or not, or simply to his desire to win, but he wants to improve individual and collective performance and inspire his team-mates," added Alonso. "You can see his desire every day," he added. "Today he created those decisive moments that enable us to win matches." Madrid had a shortened pre-season after their run to the Club World Cup semi-finals in July, but Alonso has been adamant that would not be used as an excuse after their request for the Osasuna match to be postponed to a later date was rejected. "To start on the right foot is key in La Liga. We know we weren't well prepared," Madrid defender Dani Carvajal said. "But we basically didn't suffer and it was a complete display." Spain international Carvajal came off the bench for his first league appearance since October after a long-term knee injury, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold in the second half. (AFP)
South China Morning Post
5 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Saudi football's critics accused of fixating on money ahead of Super Cup semi in Hong Kong
Michel, the decorated Al-Qadsiah head coach, has accused Saudi football's detractors of ignorance ahead of his team's Saudi Super Cup semi-final against Al-Ahli in Hong Kong on Wednesday. Advertisement The Spaniard, who won six La Liga titles as an exceptional midfielder for Real Madrid, said people in his homeland 'only discuss football in Saudi Arabia from a financial perspective'. Despite spending more than US$80 million following promotion to the top flight last season, and forking out around US$76 million for Serie A top scorer Mateo Retegui from Atalanta this summer, Al-Qadsiah are the lowest spenders and least heralded of the four teams competing in this week's Super Cup. Referencing Al-Hilal's progress to the quarter-finals of the recent Club World Cup, Michel, said: 'They delivered a high level of performance in a big tournament, full of international players, so when people just want to talk about money it gives you the impression they are talking without proper information. 'People who have the information know Saudi teams have big potential and a high level.' New Al-Qadsiah striker Mateo Retegui enjoys scoring in a friendly against Sevilla this month. Photo: EPA Michel's impassioned words were met with applause from most Saudi journalists in the room.
South China Morning Post
17 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Saudi Super Cup: Ronaldo fever strikes again, fans flock to stadium hours before kick-off
Thousands of football fans descended on Hong Kong Stadium hours before Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr were scheduled to kick off against Al-Ittihad in the first semi-final of the Saudi Super Cup on Tuesday. Advertisement At around 5pm, all roads leading to the stadium were a sea of jerseys sporting Ronaldo's name on the back, as thousands from Hong Kong, Macau, mainland China and Saudi Arabia made their way to the ground. There was even one spectator wearing a shirt that combined Al-Nassr, Real Madrid and Manchester United colours and badges, all teams the Portuguese star has played for during his illustrious career. And fans outside and inside the stadium brought a party atmosphere, with Al-Nassr ultras banging drums, waving flags and handing out free scarves to rally support for their side. Not that they needed to. 'I came because I like Ronaldo and I support Real Madrid,' said Grace Chan, 24, who travelled from Nanjing. Advertisement 'Also, the opponents tonight have [Karim] Benzema, who is Ronaldo's old teammate. I like Ronaldo because of his values, what he stands for, it's very respectable.'
