Well, the final whistle has blown at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere, and it’s a comfortable win for Real Madrid in the end. A 3-0 scoreline certainly tells a story of dominance, but for a huge chunk of this game, it was a much closer affair. Real Oviedo, playing their first home game in Spain's top flight in over two decades, put up a heck of a fight, but Madrid's quality simply shone through when it mattered most.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Real Madrid secured a convincing 3-0 away victory against Real Oviedo.
- ✓ Kylian Mbappe was the star of the show, scoring a brace and earning the player of the match award.
- ✓ The match marked Oviedo's first La Liga home game in over 24 years, drawing a record-breaking crowd.
- ✓ Manager Xabi Alonso praised Mbappé's sharpness, noting he has gained 4kg (8.8 pounds) back since the Club World Cup.
- ✓ Madrid dominated the statistics, with 26 shots compared to Oviedo's six and enjoying 65% of the possession.
A Spirited Stand Meets a Clinical Finish
You’ve got to hand it to Real Oviedo. For a solid 80 minutes, they were right in this match. They showed incredible defensive heart and application, keeping one of the world’s most formidable attacks to just a slender 1-0 lead. The atmosphere in the stadium, thanks to what their own keeper called a record attendance, was electric, and you could feel the home side feeding off that energy.
But here's the thing about playing against a team like Real Madrid: they only need a moment. Once Kylian Mbappe found the back of the net for his second goal, you could see the air go out of Oviedo's sails. It became a task too far for the newly promoted side. The final statistics really paint the picture of Madrid's control—they outshot Oviedo 26 to six and held a commanding 65 percent of possession. It was a classic case of relentless pressure eventually breaking down a determined defense.
Alonso's Perspective: Strategy and Squad Depth
After the match, Xabi Alonso seemed incredibly pleased, calling it a "very serious game." What I found most interesting was his take on squad management. When asked about keeping a star like Vinicius Jr on the bench, his answer was direct and all about the team: "We have more than 20 players in the squad. All of them need to feel important. I make decisions that are good for the team." That's the kind of message that builds a strong locker room.
He was, of course, full of praise for his match-winner. On Mbappé, Alonso noted, "He’s a constant threat. He’s very sharp." This isn't just manager-speak; we saw it on the pitch. The way Mbappé moves across the attack, constantly switching positions, makes him an absolute nightmare for defenders. Alonso's excitement about his form is palpable.
But it wasn't just about the big names. Alonso made sure to single out others who impressed him. He had warm words for Rodrygo, saying he "played a good game. I liked him." He also highlighted the young talent Mastantuono as "our present and future," praising his energy. It’s clear Alonso is building a squad where everyone, from established stars to rising prospects, has a role to play.
The View from the Oviedo Dugout
Over on the other side, the mood was one of disappointment mixed with a bit of frustration. Real Oviedo manager Veljko Paunovic didn't hold back in his post-match interview, hinting at some contentious refereeing. "We can’t interfere with the referees’ decisions. It doesn’t suit us," he told DAZN. "Yes, we feel wronged." It's a sentiment many underdog teams feel when calls don't go their way against the giants.
However, he was also incredibly pragmatic and honest, quickly adding, "but it’s also true that we gave the other two goals away to Madrid." That level of self-awareness is crucial for a team trying to survive in La Liga. Goalkeeper Aaron Escandell echoed that sentiment, perfectly summing up the harsh reality of the top flight: "Against these teams, mistakes come at a high price."
Despite the loss, Escandell made a point to thank the fans, acknowledging the incredible support from the record-breaking crowd. For a club that's been away for 24 years, that connection between the team and its supporters is going to be their lifeblood this season. It was a tough result, but a memorable night for the home side nonetheless.
The Bigger Picture in La Liga
This win is huge for Real Madrid. After a defensively solid but narrow 1-0 victory over Osasuna on matchday one, this commanding 3-0 result in their first away game shows they mean business. They're picking up vital points early as they look to build a serious challenge for the La Liga title, with rivals Barcelona also in the hunt.
Looking around the league in week two, the competition is already heating up. Barcelona managed a tight 3-2 win against Levante, while Atletico Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw with Elche. These results show that every point is going to be hard-fought this season, which makes Madrid's decisive performance against Oviedo all the more significant. As Alonso said, "Little by little, we are seeing what we’re doing well and what we need to work on. The feelings are good."
Conclusion
So, what's the bottom line? Real Madrid walks away from the Estadio Carlos Tartiere with three points, a clean sheet, and a stellar performance from their main man, Kylian Mbappe. They showed both patience and clinical finishing. For Real Oviedo, it was a harsh welcome back to the big time, but their spirited performance for 80 minutes in front of a passionate home crowd offers a glimmer of hope for the long season ahead. Madrid looks sharp, focused, and ready for the title race.
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