Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso said that it was his decision to leave Rodrygo without minutes in the club's 1-0 win over Osasuna at the Bernabéu on Tuesday amid transfer links to Premier League clubs.

Rodrygo’s absence from the pitch in Madrid’s league opener further added to the list of uncertainties about the Brazilian’s future at the Spanish giants. After being a regular starter under Carlo Ancelotti last season, things changed for the 24-year-old during the Club World Cup after Xabi Alonso took charge as head coach.

Real Madrid got their 2025026 La Liga campaign underway, beating Osasuna 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu. It was an average performance from the white team, but it