Real Madrid y Osasuna: Alonso Follows in Mourinho’s Footsteps at the Start of His Real Madrid Journey

Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid

Spanish coach Xabi Alonso has begun writing the first chapter of his career with Real Madrid in La Liga, in a way that captured attention even before the opening whistle was blown. In the league opener against Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday evening, Alonso made history by fielding one of the youngest squads in the club’s modern era, according to data published by the statistics outlet Opta. The report revealed that Alonso’s starting XI had an average age of just 25 years and 213 days, making it the third-youngest lineup for Real Madrid since the 2005-06 season. This achievement recalls previous moments under legendary coaches. In 2010, José Mourinho fielded a Madrid side with an average age of 25 years and 181 days, while Manuel Pellegrini had done the same a year earlier, with 25 years and 201 days. Now, Alonso joins this exclusive list of managers who entrusted a youthful squad at the very beginning of their tenure. A Bold Gamble Alonso’s decision reflects not only courage but also a clear vision for the future—one that combines established stars with promising young talents. His approach suggests he is building a long-term project rather than seeking only short-term success. Starting vs. Osasuna Real Madrid lined up as follows: Thibaut Courtois Carreras – Militão – Huissen – Arnold Tchouaméni – Valverde – Arda Güler Brahim Díaz – Vinícius Júnior – Kylian Mbappé Relying on youngsters such as Güler and Díaz alongside world-class stars like Vinícius, Mbappé, and the experienced Courtois at the back, shows Alonso’s intent to strike a balance between solidity and flair. Should this formula succeed, the Spanish coach might be on track to replicate the kind of impact Mourinho had more than a decade ago. #Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid, La Liga, Mourinho, Pellegrini, Spanish League