A night of contrasting ambitions awaits at the Nuevo Carlos Tartiere, where Real Oviedo step into their long awaited homecoming in La Liga against a Real Madrid side chasing perfection. One team carries the weight of history and expectation, the other the pride of return and survival. This sets the stage for a contest charged with anticipation and emotion.
Match contect and what is at stake
Real Madrid began their campaign with a narrow 1–0 victory over Osasuna, decided by Kylian Mbappé. While the performance left spaces to refine, the three points ensured momentum in a race where Barcelona’s strong start increases the need for consistency. The focus will lie on sharper finishing and tighter control as Madrid seek to build rhythm early in the season.
For Oviedo, the return to the top flight after 24 years was marked by a hard fought but fruitless trip to Villarreal that ended in a 2–0 defeat. Promotion through last season’s play offs ended a long wait to rejoin Spain’s elite, and survival remains their clear target. Facing Madrid so soon may highlight the gulf in quality, but support at a packed Tartiere could inject resilience into their approach.
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History provides mixed signals. Madrid dominate the head to head, but Oviedo have taken points in three of the last four league meetings. The last clash in the top division ended 1–1 in June 2001, and in the Copa del Rey of 2022 Madrid eased to a 4–0 win. The record reflects reality, yet a stubborn structure and disciplined shape can still frustrate an opponent of higher standing.
Real Oviedo news and predicted lineup
Coach Luis Carrión faces both absences and timely returns. Álvaro Lemos is unavailable through injury, while Santiago Colombatto, Jaime Seoane and Lucas Ahijado remain doubtful for selection. Alberto Reina will miss out after his red card against Villarreal, but David Costas’ return from suspension brings stability back into defence.
Oviedo are expected to maintain a compact approach, focusing on discipline at the back and quick transitions. Salomón Rondón offers the experience to hold the ball, earn fouls and provide a threat at set pieces. Wide players such as Ilyas Chaira and Masrour Hassan must balance defensive work with ambition to counter quickly when opportunities arise.
Predicted XI in a 3-4-3 or 5-4-1 shape:
Escandell, Costas, Dendoncker, Calvo, Vidal, Ilic, Sibo, Alhassane, Chaira, Rondón, Hassan.
Real Madrid news and predicted lineup
Carlo Ancelotti has important players unavailable, but also key men returning. Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy and Endrick are all expected to remain out. However, Antonio Rüdiger returns from suspension which eases pressure on the defence. Éder Militão, fit from the opening match, should continue in central defence, with Dean Huijsen also in contention.
Further forward, Brahim Díaz may once again keep Rodrygo on the bench after linking well in the opener. Trent Alexander Arnold provides thrust from right back, stepping into midfield lanes to dictate play, while Álvaro Carreras balances on the left. Aurélien Tchouaméni anchors midfield, freeing Federico Valverde to push forward and Arda Güler to connect transitions. Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior bring pace and movement to the attack.
Predicted XI in a 4-3-3:
Courtois, Alexander Arnold, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras, Valverde, Tchouaméni, Güler, Brahim, Mbappé, Vinícius.
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Outlook and likely pattern
Madrid are set to dictate tempo and territory, probing Oviedo’s shape with wide overloads and constant movement in the final third. The home side’s plan will centre on compact defence, counter attacks through pace on the flanks, and Rondón’s ability to relieve pressure high up the pitch. A goal for Oviedo is possible, yet Madrid’s depth and attacking quality give them the clear advantage in a contest that should ultimately swing their way.
