Xabi Alonso praises new signings after Real Madrid open LaLiga account

Kylian Mbappe scored the only goal of the match in the 51st minute from the penalty spot after being fouled by Juan Cruz. Osasuna were reduced to 10 men in stoppage time when Abel Bretones was sent off.

Three of Madrid's new signings - Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Alvaro Carreras - started the match, while 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono came off the bench to make his debut. Alonso expressed satisfaction with how the new arrivals handled their first appearance at the Bernabeu.

"The four of them performed well, maybe not spectacularly," Alonso said. "But they were solid, they didn't make any mistakes, they weren't nervous, and they integrated well into the team. I didn't feel that the shirt or the Bernabeu weighed them down."

Alonso highlighted Mastantuono's energy and composure, despite only recently joining full training with the squad.

"Franco brought good energy," he said. "He had some good minutes and made an impact."

The manager also emphasized that the performance was a positive starting point but noted that improvement is still needed.

"There were good things, and other things to improve," Alonso said. "After just two weeks of training and facing a team with a longer preseason, things were missing. But it's a long road."

He also reiterated his support for forward Rodrygo, who had a quiet performance.

"It's just one game," Alonso said. "We can leave the rest behind. What counts is this season, and of course I'm counting on Rodrygo."

Real Madrid will look to build on the win as they aim to improve on last season's results, which ended without a major trophy under previous manager Carlo Ancelotti.

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