Real Madrid's Fiery Start: Unpacking the Winners and Losers from the 2025-26 La Liga Opener

The dawn of a new season always brings a unique blend of anticipation and pressure, especially for a club of Real Madrid's stature. The 2025-26 La Liga opener was no exception, a high-stakes affair designed to set the tone for another relentless pursuit of silverware. Fans packed the Santiago Bernabéu, their hopes palpable, as the reigning champions stepped onto the hallowed turf to face Athletic Bilbao, a team renowned for their tenacity and disciplined approach.

The stage was set for a classic, and Madrid delivered a performance that, while securing three points, offered plenty of food for thought regarding who's ready to dominate and who might need a few more gears.

The undisputed 'Winner' of the night was undoubtedly Vinicius Jr. From the moment the whistle blew, his electric pace and mesmerizing dribbling were a constant menace to the opposition defense.

He notched a brilliant solo goal, a testament to his continued evolution into one of the world's most decisive forwards, and his assist for the second goal was pure artistry. His commitment to tracking back also showed a new level of maturity. Another shining light was the ever-reliable Federico Valverde.

His engine in midfield was tireless, covering every blade of grass, breaking up play, and launching incisive attacks. His long-range strike that rattled the crossbar was a hair's breadth from being a goal-of-the-season contender, and his defensive contributions were invaluable in stifling Bilbao's counter-attacks.

Even Carlo Ancelotti's tactical flexibility deserves a nod, with his mid-game adjustments proving crucial in turning the tide when the opposition looked threatening.

While the victory was secured, not everyone left the pitch with their heads held high. The primary 'Loser' category might unfortunately fall upon the defensive pairing of Éder Militão and David Alaba.

Several lapses in concentration led to genuine scares, and their coordination at times seemed disjointed. They struggled with Bilbao's direct runs, conceding a soft goal that could have been avoided with better communication. Further up the pitch, Rodrygo Goes, usually a beacon of creativity, had an uncharacteristically quiet night.

His touches were heavy, his passes went astray, and he failed to impact the game in his usual dazzling manner, struggling to link up effectively with the midfield and attack. Perhaps the pressure of the new season weighed heavily, or maybe he's still finding his rhythm.

The opening fixture served as a stark reminder that even for a squad as stacked as Real Madrid's, perfection is an elusive dream.

While the team showcased flashes of their customary brilliance, particularly in attack, the defensive frailties and moments of individual inconsistency highlight areas that will require immediate attention from Ancelotti and his coaching staff. The victory provides a solid foundation, but the journey to another La Liga title will undoubtedly demand more consistent performances from every player.

This match was a thrilling preview, signaling a season filled with drama, high stakes, and the relentless pursuit of footballing supremacy.