(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Real Madrid Visit Real Oviedo in La Liga Clash
After a narrow 1-0 win over Osasuna in their La Liga opener, Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid now travel to face newly-promoted Real Oviedo on Sunday in what promises to be a historic night at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere.
Oviedo’s Return to La Liga
Real Oviedo are back in Spain’s top flight for the first time in almost 25 years, having secured promotion by defeating Mirandes in the Segunda Division play-off final last June. Managed by Serbian coach Veljko Paunovic, Oviedo faced a difficult start to life in La Liga, losing 2-0 away to Villarreal in their opening game.
The squad blends experience with youth, with 40-year-old Santi Cazorla coming off the bench and Venezuelan striker Salomon Rondon leading the attack. Now, they will play in front of a sell-out 30,000 fans, welcoming the 15-time European champions in what will be their biggest home match in decades.
Real Madrid Under Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso took charge of Madrid before the Club World Cup, guiding them to the semi-finals before a heavy defeat against Paris Saint-Germain. After a short break, Madrid returned to domestic action and edged Osasuna 1-0 thanks to a Kylian Mbappe penalty.
Alonso admitted his side lacked rhythm after limited preparation but stressed that the early win provided “stability going forward.”
Several new faces made their La Liga debuts in that match:
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Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, signed earlier this summer.
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Alvaro Carreras, who arrived from Benfica.
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Franco Mastantuono, the highly-rated Argentine teenager.
With a relatively kind fixture list before the Madrid derby against Atletico in late September, Alonso will be looking for a more polished performance this weekend.
Player to Watch: Franco Mastantuono
At just 17, Franco Mastantuono is already being tipped as one of the brightest young stars in world football. Madrid signed him from River Plate in June for €63 million ($72 million) on a six-year deal.
The versatile winger and attacking midfielder has already made his senior Argentina debut and impressed Alonso with his “grit, competitive spirit, and ability to deliver the final pass.”
With speculation around Rodrygo’s future, Mastantuono could soon have the chance to compete with Brahim Diaz for a starting role on the right wing.
Match Outlook
Real Madrid are favorites heading into the tie, but Oviedo will be motivated by the home crowd and the chance to test themselves against Spain’s most decorated club. For Alonso, it’s another opportunity to shape his team’s identity early in the season.
