MADRID, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has expressed satisfaction after his side kicked off its 2025-26 La Liga campaign with a 1-0 home win over Osasuna.

Kylian Mbappe's penalty early in the second half decided the game, but despite the narrow margin of victory, Alonso was pleased with a display that limited Osasuna's options in attack, and noted that his side had only been together for a couple of weeks after having competed in the FIFA World Club Cup in the United States this summer.

"There are positives, starting with the result, which is the most important thing. Osasuna has had more time for preseason, and it showed," he said.

"There were good things and others that we need to improve," added Alonso, while also admitting his players "lacked freshness in the final third, and we struggled to create clear chances. We're in that fine-tuning phase, but the win gives you peace of mind."

The coach also expressed satisfaction with the displays of Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alvaro Carreras and Franco Mastantuono on their home debuts.

"They had good, decent performances; they played seriously, didn't make mistakes, and weren't nervous. I've seen positive things. And I'm very happy to be back at this new Bernabeu," said Alonso. ■