MADRID — Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has praised the maturity of teenager newcomer Franco Mastantuono and downplayed the player's choice of former Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi as the world's best player.

La Liga has officially started and Real Madrid is preparing for its debut in the championship against Club Atlético Osasuna next Tuesday at the

After finishing third in La Liga for the third time in four seasons, Atletico Madrid begins its latest campaign away to Espanyol on Sunday.

Atletico Madrid suffers first opening defeat under Simeone, while Espanyol and Athletic Bilbao secure victories in La Liga.

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso said on Monday he wanted his team's performance on the pitch to do the talking for him as he begins his first LaLiga campaign at home against Osasuna on Tuesday.