Rodrygo Benched as Real Madrid Edges Osasuna in La Liga Opener

Rodrygo was left on the bench in Real Madrid’s La Liga opener against Osasuna, a move that raised eyebrows among fans and football pundits alike. The Brazilian winger, who is widely regarded as one of Los Blancos’ brightest young talents, also remains a key transfer target for Manchester City. Despite intense speculation over a potential €100 million move, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso opted for a different attacking setup as his side narrowly defeated Osasuna 1-0 on Tuesday evening.

Rodrygo’s Absence Fuels Transfer Rumors

Rodrygo’s omission from the starting eleven immediately led to conjecture about his future at the Santiago Bernabéu, especially given Manchester City’s well-documented interest. The 23-year-old’s benching, however, was explained by Xabi Alonso after the match. Alonso highlighted that the decision was purely tactical, stating that the team needed fresh energy and a different approach against a defensively robust Osasuna outfit.

Despite rumors swirling around a possible exit, no official offers have been submitted for Rodrygo thus far. The forward remains highly valued by Real Madrid, who have reportedly set a €100 million price tag to deter suitors, including City.

Xabi Alonso Addresses Benching Decision

After the final whistle, Alonso addressed the media to clarify his reasoning. “Rodrygo is an exceptional player, but we must manage our resources wisely over a long season. Every opponent requires a different plan, and tonight, I felt it was best to bring him on as an impact substitute if necessary,” Alonso explained. He also praised Rodrygo’s professionalism and work ethic, reassuring supporters that the Brazilian remains an integral part of his plans.

Manchester City End Pursuit for Now

Meanwhile, sources close to Manchester City have indicated that the Premier League champions have made a final decision to halt their pursuit of Rodrygo — at least for now. With Real Madrid holding firm on their €100 million valuation and no indication that the player is pushing for a move, City have reportedly turned their focus to alternative targets as the transfer window draws to a close.

Mbappe’s Penalty Secures Scrappy Victory

While much of the post-match discussion centered on Rodrygo’s status and City’s interest, the match itself was a hard-fought affair. Real Madrid struggled to break down a resilient Osasuna side and ultimately relied on a second-half penalty by Kylian Mbappé to secure all three points. The French superstar, making his official debut for Los Blancos, showed composure from the spot to ensure a winning start to Madrid’s league campaign.

Rodrygo’s Role in the Season Ahead

Despite being benched, Rodrygo’s importance to Real Madrid cannot be overstated. With a congested fixture list and ambitions on several fronts, Alonso is expected to rotate his squad frequently. Rodrygo’s versatility — capable of playing on either wing or centrally — makes him a valuable asset as the season progresses.

Competition for starting spots is fierce, particularly with the arrival of Mbappé and the continued form of Vinícius Jr. However, Alonso’s comments suggest that Rodrygo will have ample opportunities to prove his worth and maintain his trajectory as one of Europe’s top young attackers.

What Does the Future Hold for Rodrygo?

For now, Rodrygo remains a Real Madrid player, with both the club and manager expressing confidence in his abilities and commitment. While Manchester City’s interest appears to have cooled, the upcoming months could bring further developments, especially if the winger finds himself out of favor in big matches.

Fans and pundits will be watching closely to see if Alonso’s rotation policy pays off — and if Rodrygo can seize his chances when called upon.

Opinion: Smart Squad Management or a Signal?

Xabi Alonso’s decision to bench Rodrygo in such a crucial opener demonstrates both boldness and strategic planning. While some might see it as a signal of a potential exit, it’s more likely a reflection of Alonso’s intent to keep his squad fresh and motivated throughout a grueling campaign. In modern football, rotation is essential, and keeping star players hungry for minutes can yield long-term benefits. Rodrygo’s response to this challenge may well define his season at Madrid.

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