Real Madrid open their 2025/26 campaign on Tuesday with a showdown against Osasuna, marking the start of the Xabi Alonso era at the Bernabéu.
The 36-time Spanish champions are hungry to bounce back after last season's runner-up finish, where they fell just four points shy of Barcelona in the title race. Alonso’s arrival has only added more intrigue, as fans wait to see how his fresh ideas take shape.
Osasuna, on the flip side, narrowly missed the European cut last term, landing ninth in La Liga. With Ante Budimir still spearheading the attack and Aimar Oroz pulling strings in midfield, the side looks familiar but determined to cement a place in the top half.
History, however, tilts heavily in Madrid’s favor. Out of 86 meetings, Los Blancos have walked away winners 53 times, while Osasuna have only managed 13 victories, with 20 games ending all square. To put it into perspective, the last time Osasuna toppled Madrid was way back in January 2011 — a drought that tells its own story.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Real Madrid vs. Osasuna live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this La Liga match in the U.S.:
TV channel: —
Live stream: ESPN+
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in English language in the United States. Streaming options are available on ESPN+.
What time does Real Madrid vs. Osasuna kick off?
This La Liga clash takes place at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain and kicks off on Saturday, August 19 at 9:00 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Tue, Aug. 19 | 3:00 p.m. |
| Central Time | Tue, Aug. 19 | 2:00 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Tue, Aug. 19 | 1:00 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Tue, Aug. 19 | 12:00 p.m. |
Real Madrid vs. Osasuna lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest
Alonso's plans have been impacted by a reduced preseason and a host of injury concerns, including Jude Bellingham, who is out for three months after shoulder surgery.
French duo Eduardo Camavinga and Ferland Mendy are sidelined for this clash and Antonio Rudiger is serving a suspension carried over from last season.
In midfield, Dani Ceballos might find himself drafted in despite ongoing transfer speculation, especially if Federico Valverde doesn't clear the fitness check. At the back, new arrivals Alexander-Arnold, Huijsen, and Carreras could be thrown straight into La Liga action.
Up front, all eyes may be on River Plate wonderkid Franco Mastantuono, who is tipped for his first minutes in Madrid colors. With Rodrygo's future still hanging in the balance, Brahim Díaz might slot into the attack alongside Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, making for a front line that could light up the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid predicted starting XI (4-3-3, right to left): Courtois (GK) — Alexander-Arnold, Huijsen, Militao, Carreras — Guler, Tchouameni, Ceballos — Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.
Injured: Bellingham (shoulder), Camavinga (ankle), Mendy (muscle)
Suspended: Rudiger
Osasuna narrowly missed out on the European qualification spots at the end of last season and Alessio Lisci has bolstered his squad over the summer.
Victor Munoz has joined from Real Madrid's youth ranks and could be handed a swift debut against his old club.
Osasuna predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Herrera (GK) — Arnaiz, Boyomo, Catena, Cruz — Torro, Garcia — Oroz, Munoz, Gomez — Budimir
Injured: None
Suspended: None
La Liga fixtures for this week
All times are ET
Tuesday, August 19
- Real Madrid vs. Osasuna (3 p.m.)
Friday, August 22
- Real Betis vs. Alavés (3:30 p.m.)