Real Madrid delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over newly promoted Real Oviedo in their La Liga clash, with Kylian Mbappé netting a brace and Vinícius Júnior adding a late flourish to seal the win.
First Half: Clinical Precision
The breakthrough came in the 37th minute—a moment crafted by Real Madrid’s midfield pressure. Aurélien Tchouaméni seized possession from Oviedo’s Leander Dendoncker and sprang Arda Güler into action. Güler threaded a crisp pass into Mbappé, who turned inside the box and slotted home with composure, putting Madrid ahead.
Despite Oviedo’s resilience and a near miss—Kwasi Sibo’s thunderous strike crashing against the post—Madrid remained in control. Thibaut Courtois and the defensive line maintained solidity to preserve the lead and momentum into the break.
Second Half: Reinforcements Deliver
Xabi Alonso made a bold tactical tweak by starting Vinícius Júnior on the bench in favor of Rodrygo, and handing a debut start to teenage talent Franco Mastantuono.
However, Vinícius responded emphatically. Substituted on in the 63rd minute, he immediately impacted the game:
- In the 83rd minute, he intercepted a loose pass, released Mbappé into a one-on-one, and Mbappé rifled home his second of the match.
- In stoppage time, Vinícius capped off the evening with a well-placed finish, sliding the ball home from a Brahim Díaz pass—cementing a 3-0 victory.
Leadership & Physical Resurgence
In the aftermath, Xabi Alonso praised Mbappé’s resurgence, noting the Frenchman had regained four kilos lost during the World Championships, a boost reflected in his sharp performance.
The margin of victory highlighted Madrid’s depth and tactical flexibility—bench players like Vinícius and Mastantuono played pivotal second-half roles, while veterans like Tchouaméni moved fluidly between defense and attack, delivering control and tempo.
Tactical Balance & Bench Impact
Real Madrid’s win underscored the effectiveness of squad rotation. Despite some second-half fatigue, the team’s blend of experience and youth created a balanced threat from both wings and the midfield
Arda Güler orchestrated the flow with an assist and multiple key passes—earning plaudits alongside Tchouaméni’s industrious midfield presence. Braseline defenders and Croat players maintained precision in buildup, while the bench reinforcements added fresh legs and goals.
Significance and Momentum
- For Mbappé, today reaffirmed his role as Madrid’s talisman—sharp, fit, and clinical.
- For Vinícius, the match was a statement: dropped early, but influential in securing the win.
- The victory keeps Madrid’s perfect start alive, reinforcing their title credentials ahead of tougher fixtures.
Xabi Alonso’s squad is evolving—this performance showcased not only strategy but deep cohesion, signaling a promising trajectory in his first full season in charge.
