Introduction
CA Osasuna vs Real Madrid is a derby steeped in tradition within LaLiga. It was an even bigger game for the 2025/26 season opener when Kylian Mbappé made his LaLiga debut for Real Madrid. Supporters were keen to follow a CA Osasuna vs Real Madrid Lineups, and to see the CA Osasuna vs Real lineups, as well as the two managers’ tactical approaches — not to mention how new signings would pan out.
In this article, we will break down the official line-ups, formations, absentees, and also provide tactical insights to explain how the game played out.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fixture | Real Madrid vs CA Osasuna |
| Date | August 19, 2025 |
| Competition | LaLiga 2025/26 – Matchday 1 |
| Stadium | Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid |
| Final Score | Real Madrid 1 – 0 Osasuna |
| Key Moment | Mbappé scored the winning penalty |
Official Starting Lineups
Real Madrid (4-3-3 Formation)
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Thibaut Courtois |
| Right Back | Trent Alexander-Arnold |
| Centre Back | Éder Militão |
| Centre Back | Dean Huijsen |
| Left Back | Álvaro Carreras |
| Midfield | Federico Valverde |
| Midfield | Aurélien Tchouaméni |
| Midfield | Arda Güler |
| Right Wing | Brahim Díaz |
| Centre Forward | Kylian Mbappé |
| Left Wing | Vinícius Jr. |
CA Osasuna (3-4-2-1 Formation)
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Sergio Herrera |
| Centre Back | Flavien Boyomo |
| Centre Back | Alejandro Catena |
| Centre Back | Juan Cruz |
| Right Wing Back | Valentín Rosier |
| Central Midfield | Lucas Torró |
| Central Midfield | Jon Moncayola |
| Left Wing Back | Abel Bretones |
| Attacking Midfield | Rubén García |
| Attacking Midfield | Aimar Oroz |
| Striker | Ante Budimir |
Key Absences
| Team | Absent Players | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid | Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy, Endrick | Injuries / fitness recovery |
| CA Osasuna | Minimal reported absentees | Full squad largely available |
Tactical Analysis
Real Madrid Strategy
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Formation: 4-3-3
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Approach: Wides with pace from Vinícius Jr. and Mbappé, with the assistance of Brahim Díaz
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Midfield Balance:
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Valverde gave his energy
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Tchouaméni his tactical play
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Güler was a playmaker
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Full-Back Role:
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Alexander-Arnold was frequently high up the pitch to provide attacking width
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CA Osasuna Strategy
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Formation: 3-4-2-1
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Approach: Three at the back to keep it tight
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Wing-Backs:
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Rosier and Bretones were instrumental in defensive cover and attacking transitions
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Creativity:
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Rubén García and Aimar Oroz connected midfield to striker Budimir
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Match Impact Players
| Team | Player | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid | Kylian Mbappé | Debut goal from the spot, game-winner |
| Real Madrid | Dean Huijsen | Sturdy on defense, outstanding as the starter |
| Real Madrid | Álvaro Carreras | Dynamic debut, contributed in deep positions |
| CA Osasuna | Ante Budimir | Lone striker, harassed Madrid defense with physicality |
| CA Osasuna | Rubén García | Supplied creativity and attacking passes from midfield |
Final Observations
Real Madrid displayed that they have a squad, and they won even without figureheads in midfield like Bellingham and Camavinga.
Here were the CA Osasuna vs Real Madrid lineups:
Flair (Madrid) vs Compactness (Osasuna).
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Mbappé had his debut goal
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Madrid’s youngsters (Huijsen, Carreras, Güler) cemented their quality
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Osasuna’s containment strategy kept Madrid from generating many chances
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One defensive error led to the penalty that decided the match
Conclusion
The CA Osasuna vs Real Madrid Lineups gave an indication of how both teams took this LaLiga clash.
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Real Madrid played a 4-3-3, which lent itself to width and creativity
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Osasuna used a 3-4-2-1, emphasizing resilience and counter-attacks
In the end, Mbappé’s penalty was the telling act, but the game also underlined Madrid’s depth and Osasuna’s capacity to frustrate superior opponents.
For both fans and analysts, looking at these lineups is a glimpse into how each team projects to play this season.
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