First day nerves? No chance! How Real Madrid bosses aced their Bernabéu baptisms
From Mourinho to Xabi Alonso, every Real Madrid manager since Florentino Pérez's 2009 return has won their first Bernabéu match - a fascinating pattern of success.
Every Real Madrid manager since Florentino Pérez’s 2009 return has passed their Bernabéu baptism of fire with flying colours, winning their first home league match in charge.
The Bernabéu examination
Managing Real Madrid is a proper stress test, and that first home game? It’s when the club’s senate scrutinises your every move. Since 2009, it’s been nothing but victories for new gaffers at the famous stadium, though each debut has its own fascinating story.
Pellegrini’s narrow escape
The Chilean kicked things off in 2009 with a nervy 3-2 win against Deportivo. His curious defensive selection featured Marcelo, Garay, Albiol and Arbeloa, while goals from Raúl, Cristiano Ronaldo and a decisive strike from Lass Diarra secured the points.
The Special One arrives
After Pellegrini’s one-season wonder, Mourinho took the reins. Following an opening day draw at Mallorca, his Bernabéu bow came against Osasuna, then managed by Madrid legend José Antonio Camacho. Despite fielding a front three of Ronaldo, Higuaín and Benzema, it was Portuguese defender Carvalho who nicked the only goal of the game.
Carlo’s first rodeo
Ancelotti’s initial Madrid stint began with a comeback win against Pepe Mel’s Betis. After Jorge Molina put the visitors ahead, Benzema and Isco turned things around. Notably, Diego López started in goal ahead of club captain Casillas, while Zidane watched from the bench as Carlo’s assistant.
The Rafa and Zidane contrast
Rafa Benítez hammered Betis 5-0 in his Bernabéu debut with James and Bale both bagging braces alongside a Benzema goal. His tenure didn’t last long though, making way for Zidane in January 2016.
Zizou, welcomed as a saviour by the fans, immediately delivered with a 5-0 demolition of Deportivo, featuring a Bale hat-trick and Benzema double.
The short-lived experiments
- Lopetegui: Beat Getafe 2-0 (Carvajal, Bale) before his Barcelona nightmare
- Solari: Scraped past Valladolid 2-0 with late goals from Kiko Olivas (OG) and Ramos (pen)
- Zidane (again): Returned to defeat Celta 2-0 with Isco and Bale on target
- Ancelotti (again): Celebrated his comeback with a 5-2 thriller against Celta, Benzema hat-trick included
Xabi’s turn
Xabi Alonso continued the tradition last season, edging past Osasuna 1-0 thanks to an Mbappé penalty. The clean sheet suggests the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree for the former midfield maestro.
Arbeloa’s challenge
Now it’s Álvaro Arbeloa’s turn to face the music. The former Madrid defender featured in several of these debut matches as a player - sometimes starting, sometimes on the bench. Now he’ll experience the other side of the coin against Levante. If history’s anything to go by, the three points should be in the bag.