Real Madrid's 2025-26 LaLiga campaign begins with a match against Osasuna at the Bernabéu, just 15 days after training commenced on August 4. Coach Xabi Alonso expressed concerns about the limited preparation time but emphasized that the team would not make excuses. Despite requesting a game postponement for better preparation, the request was denied by officials. New signing Franco Mastantuono, who has just turned 18, may feature in the match. Alonso praised Mastantuono's personality and potential to quickly adapt to the team.
Of course, for the health of the players, after a long season, we'd like to have had more preparation. But in the end it wasn't to be.
The first time I spoke to [Mastantuono], his personality surprised me. He was 17, but he was a man, he had a lot of self confidence.
In a short time we've seen that he'll adapt quickly to the team ... He could get minutes tomorrow.
Madrid had asked to have the Osasuna game postponed to allow for additional preparation time, but that request was rejected by a Spanish football federation judge.
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