Hello all,

As someone who enjoys soccer and over the years has often wanted to write more about it, I have decided to start a thread on my favorite team, Real Madrid.

This may not get a lot of views or responses, but it gives me a chance to work on my soccer writing either way.

I follow Real Madrid in both soccer and basketball, so I will try to also start a Spanish League and/or EuroLeague thread in the basketball forum in the coming weeks.

I will also start other threads for European Football to give me more practice and to give others a chance to give their thoughts.

-Rob

FINAL: Real Madrid 1, Osasuna 0
Estadio Santiago Bernabeu -- Madrid, Spain
La Liga: Round 1

GOALS: 51' Mbappe (PK)

GAME ACTION (Real Madrid)
51' -- Goal (Mbappe)
68' -- Substitution (Dani Carvajal in, Trent Alexander-Arnold off)
68' -- Substitution (Franco Mastantuono in, Brahim Diaz off)
90' -- Substitution (Dani Ceballos in, Arda Guler off)
90' + 4 -- Yellow Card (Mbappe)

REAL MADRID (Starters)
1. Courtois
3. Militao
7. Vinicius, Jr.
8. Valverde
10. Mbappe
12. Alexander-Arnold
14. Techovameni
15. Guler
18. Carreras
21. Diaz
24. Huijsen

Los Blancos dominated possession, particularly in the first half (77 percent), but the guests from Pamplona typically retreated all 10 outfielders to the box to keep Real Madrid scoreless in the first half.

Vinicius Jr. had a legitimate penalty claim denied in the 44th minute, before drawing a foul in the box from Juan Cruz of Osasuna six minutes after intermission. Mbappe powered the ensuing PK to the right past goalkeeper Sergia Herrera and into the back of the net for the only goal of the contest.

Overall, Real Madrid did its job against lesser opposition, despite the absence of several players it will count on this season. What was missing from the 15-time European champions was someone who could create shots on goal from just outside the penalty area, particularly against a team that loaded the back half.

NEXT: Sunday, August 24 (3:30 p.m.)
Real Madrid at Real Oviedo
Estadio Municipal Carlos Tartiere -- Oviedo, Spain

Real Madrid beats Mallorca, 2-1. This comes after Los Merengues defeated Real Oviedo, 3-0, on the road in their last match.

The Whites now have three wins (nine points) in three matches.

There is a great debate going on about whether Rodrygo and Vini Jr. can play together or if they are actually in competition for the same position (left midfielder). That will be something to watch.

Truth be told, Real Madrid has not looked great so far, but getting the points is the bottom line.

I have been busy, but I will continue to give my post-match thoughts in this forum when I have time to be more expansive with my takes.

Ligue 1 is the top league in France. La Liga is the top league in Spain. Sometimes in European continental competition, teams from other nations play each other. It can be confusing.

STANDINGS | Here's how the #LALIGAEASPORTS table looks after Matchday 5. pic.twitter.com/Bz8i40ktsR

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) September 21, 2025