Overview

• LaLiga refused Real Madrid’s request to postpone their season opener, leaving them with one fewer preparatory day after the summer tournament.
• Manager Xabi Alonso publicly ruled out using his squad’s limited two-week preseason as an excuse ahead of Tuesday’s match.
• Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras are expected to form a new defensive unit in Madrid’s starting XI.
• Real Madrid will be without Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy and Antonio Rüdiger due to surgery recovery, injury and suspension.
• Osasuna boss Alessio Lisci said the Club World Cup’s competitive matches could give Real Madrid an early edge under their new coach.