Real Madrid bagged a 1-0 win against Osasuna in their opening match of the 2025/26 La Liga campaign on August 19, at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
Following a goalless first half, Los Blancos opened their scoring with Kylian Mbappe successfully converting a penalty in the 51st minute.
While the match ended in victory for Real Madrid, there was one notable absence in their starting squad, Rodrygo, who was named on the bench against Osasuna and remained an unused substitute for the game.
Rodrygo’s absence from the pitch in Madrid’s league opener further added to the list of uncertainties about the Brazilian’s future at the Spanish giants. After being a regular starter under Carlo Ancelotti last season, things changed for the 24-year-old during the Club World Cup after Xabi Alonso took charge as head coach.
Rodrygo started in only one and overall featured in three of Los Blancos’ six matches in the Club World Cup. Amid his lack of minutes and involvement, the Santos graduate has been heavily linked with a move away from Real Madrid this summer.
Alonso, however, has brushed off the implications of uncertainties about Rodrygo’s future in his squad by explaining his absence as ‘just a one-off game.’
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What did Xabi Alonso say about Rodrygo’s absence in Real Madrid’s La Liga opener?
While speaking to the press after the win over Osasuna, Alonso claimed that no one in his squad has a guaranteed spot in the starting XI, and said,
“Whoever deserves to play will play. Nobody is guaranteed a spot in the XI,” as per Managing Madrid.
The Spanish manager addressed Rodrygo’s absence on the pitch, claiming that he is ‘counting on’ the winger and added,
“Nothing’s happening. The Club World Cup was a different context, now behind us. I’m counting on him; it’s just a one-off game. If he’s still getting those minutes in three months, it’ll be a different story.”
Rodrygo’s current situation at Real Madrid has attracted attention from interested clubs, including Manchester City, who are reported to be keen on acquiring his signature. His current contract at Los Blancos is valid until the summer of 2028.
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