Prelude: An Epic Return to La Liga
After a 24‑year absence from Spain’s top flight, Real Oviedo has finally navigated its way back, rekindling old rivalries and renewing top‑flight ambitions. Their first‑match return ended in defeat to Villarreal, setting a challenging tone for the renewed journey.
Their August 24, 2025, fixture against Real Madrid at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere was more than just another matchup—it was a homecoming, an occasion steeped in history and symbolic of hopes for a revived era. The last time Oviedo hosted Madrid in La Liga was 2001, and their last victory against them dates back to December 1998.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid—under new coach Xabi Alonso—arrived with renewed vigor and ambition. Despite squad injuries, the team’s expectation was clear: dominate, set a tone, and demonstrate the depth of their continental pedigree.
Club Backgrounds & Historical Narratives
Real Oviedo: Resilience, Revival, and Regional Pride
Founded in 1926, Oviedo quickly became a force with its famed “Electric Forwards”—a pacey, incisive formation that predated modern tactical fluidity.Throughout history, iconic figures like Esteban Echevarría achieved legendary feats—he remains the only player to score five goals against Real Madrid in a professional match, sealing a 7–1 rout in 1947.In recent years, the stature of Santi Cazorla, both managing off-pitch survival and symbolizing hope on it, has been critical. His leadership and connection with the club paved the way toward promotion, making the return to La Liga a deeply emotional achievement.
Real Madrid: Reinvention Under New Leadership
As one of football’s most decorated institutions, Real Madrid remains a benchmark for excellence in Spain and Europe. The summer saw the arrival of global superstar Kylian Mbappé and new structural shifts under coach Xabi Alonso, blending youthful dynamism with proven veterans to fashion a competitive, modern squad.
The Match Unfolds: A Statement by the Whites
On August 24, the fixture was more than historical—it was highly anticipated. Madrid asserted themselves decisively, defeating Oviedo 3–0 at Carlos Tartiere.
Kylian Mbappé: The star striker shone brightly—scoring in each half, his first goal converting from a sharp assist by Arda Güler, his second following a pass from substitute Vinícius Jr. He nearly completed a hat‑trick but was thwarted by Oviedo’s keeper.
Vinícius Jr.: The Brazilian dazzled off the bench, contributing the assist for Mbappé’s second goal and capping the match with a composed finish in stoppage time.
Thibaut Courtois and Aaron Escandell (Oviedo’s keeper): Courtois made a key save, preserving Madrid’s clean sheet, while Escandell kept Oviedo competitive with a standout save to deny Mbappé a hat‑trick.
Tactical and Lineup Observations
Real Oviedo
- Manager Veljko Paunović had to navigate suspensions and injuries—Alberto Reina was unavailable, while Lemos, Ahijado, and Vázquez were sidelined. To compensate, new signings like Bailly, Brekalo, and Dendoncker were incorporated, with the latter expected to start.
- Likely formation: 3-4-3, featuring Escandell in goal; Costas, Dendoncker, Calvo in defense; Vidal and Alhassane as wing-backs; midfield marshaled by Sibo and Ilic; fronted by Chaira, Hassan, and Rondón.
Real Madrid
- Despite injuries to key midfielders like Bellingham, Mendy, Camavinga, and Endrick, Madrid fielded a strong side. Rüdiger returned from suspension, and promising young Franco Mastantuono was considered for attacking roles.
- Probable setup: 4-3-3 with Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Carreras; midfield trio of Tchouaméni, Valverde, Güler; fronted by Mastantuono, Rodrygo (possibly), and Mbappé.
Key Performers Index
Real Oviedo
- Leander Dendoncker: Offered much-needed composure and organization in midfield, essential in containing Madrid’s front line.
- Aaron Escandell: Demonstrated resilience between the posts, including a save denying Mbappé a hat‑trick, giving glimpses of hope despite defeat.
- Salomón Rondón: Experienced and commanding, though less effective this time—missing a penalty earlier and struggling for incisiveness in front of goal.
Real Madrid
- Kylian Mbappé: Undeniably the match’s standout, scoring twice with pace, precision, and poise—driving Madrid’s offensive juggernaut.
- Vinícius Jr.: Delivered not only with a goal but also built momentum off the bench—effortless in impact and finishing ability.
- Arda Güler: Though more tactical than flashy, he provided the assist that sparked Mbappé’s opener, showing early adaptation to Alonso’s system.
6. Broader Implications & Looking Ahead
This match was more than a scoreline; it symbolized Madrid’s seamless transition under Xabi Alonso—harnessing star power and tactical clarity immediately. The result reinforces their status as La Liga’s elite, while reaffirming their depth and adaptability.
For Oviedo, despite the promising narrative of promotion and passionate homecoming, the gulf in class was evident. Their defensive structure and fight were commendable, but the lack of finishing threat and experience likely sealed the outcome.
