“Mbappé already commands” – Madrid’s narrow win sparks contrasting headlines in Spain

20/08/2025

By RSR Málaga – August 20, 2025

The Spanish press woke up divided after Real Madrid’s narrow 1-0 victory over Osasuna in LaLiga. In the capital, newspapers hailed Kylian Mbappé’s decisive impact, with Marca highlighting: “Mbappé already commands” and AS celebrating “blesses Xabi’s debut” — in reference to manager Xabi Alonso’s first LaLiga win.

In Barcelona, however, the tone was very different. Sport downplayed the win with the headline: “Madrid, by penalty… and nothing else”, reflecting frustration as Barça continue to struggle with player registrations ahead of the new season.

Beyond the eternal Madrid–Barça rivalry, the transfer market continues to dominate conversations across Spain, with names like Loïc Badé, Kelechi Iheanacho, Marc Roca, Marc Casadó, Rasmus Højlund and Alexander Isak circulating as possible moves in the final weeks of the window.