Real Madrid kicked off the season with a victory and a Kylian Mbappe goal, seemingly picking up where they left off last season. However, the similarities ended there. Under Xabi Alonso, a largely revamped backline limited Osasuna to just two shots, none on target, but the team`s overall struggles persisted.
At the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid is expected to dominate and secure easy victories, which wasn`t the case in their season opener. While factors like a new manager, recent transfers, and the long season including the Club World Cup offer some explanation, Los Blancos cannot afford to falter as their LaLiga schedule intensifies. The club also faces uncertainty regarding Rodrygo`s potential departure, Vinicius Junior`s struggles to find his best form, and Jude Bellingham`s three-month sideline recovery following shoulder surgery.
Upcoming Match: Real Oviedo vs. Real Madrid – Viewing Details and Odds
- Date: Sunday, Aug. 24 | Time: 3:30 p.m.
- Location: Estadio Municipal Carlos Tartiere — Oviedo, Spain
- Live stream: ESPN+
- Odds: Real Oviedo +850; Draw +460; Real Madrid -350
Should Vinicius Junior`s struggles persist, hindering his ability to support Mbappe effectively, his early substitutions could soon lead to a benching as Alonso works to find the optimal squad balance. The Spanish manager has already hinted at this challenge in his pre-match media availability.
“I mentioned the other day that the World Cup context is somewhat different; we`ve only played one game, so statistics should be taken with a grain of salt,” Alonso stated. “All players are important, and I`m counting on them. Since I`m the one who makes the squad list, anyone can be a starter.”
Alonso must identify a secondary attacker to alleviate pressure on the French forward. Arda Guler was given that opportunity in the opener. Playing a creative midfield role, this could be a breakout season for him, as Alonso has utilized the Club World Cup to assess young talents like Guler and Gonzalo Garcia. Even away against a newly promoted side, Real Madrid needs to aim for a decisive victory to build momentum.
Goal difference holds significant weight in LaLiga, especially with Barcelona capable of scoring five goals in a flash. While winning is good, winning emphatically will help re-establish Real Madrid as title favorites and allow them to capitalize on rivals` slip-ups. Atletico Madrid has already secured only one point from two matches, meaning even at matchday two, Real Madrid could open a gap over their city rivals before their eventual encounter.
