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Real Oviedo approached the transfer window with ambition, strengthening multiple areas of the squad as they seek to establish themselves more firmly in the Spanish top flight. One of the most notable additions was veteran Venezuelan striker Salomón Rondón, who arrived from Pachuca and already made headlines with a missed penalty against Villarreal. Alongside him, Serbian forward Luka Ilić joined from Red Star Belgrade after netting 12 goals in Serbia’s top division last season.
In midfield, Oviedo secured Alberto Reina (Mirandés), who impressed last year with 7 goals and 4 assists in the Segunda División. However, his red card against Villarreal means he will miss this clash. Chaira, who spent last season on loan from Girona, signed permanently, while right-back Nacho Vidal arrived from Osasuna to take on a starting role. Other arrivals include Brandon Domingues from Troyes and former Manchester United defender Eric Bailly, who joined on a free transfer.
There are also important updates regarding availability. Defender David Costas returns from suspension, while Colombatto — absent in the opening match due to injury — is close to full fitness. However, long-serving Lucas Ahijado remains sidelined, and Álvaro Lemos (ex-Las Palmas) is also out. Meanwhile, midfielder Jaime Seoane departed for Pachuca, joining several other notable exits including Paulino de la Fuente, goalkeeper Quentin Braat, and striker Alemao, who left after scoring 14 goals last season.
Real Madrid’s Injury Concerns
Real Madrid enter this contest amid significant transition and injury setbacks. The club bid farewell this summer to long-serving stars Luka Modrić and Lucas Vázquez, while president Florentino Pérez oversaw major reinforcements with the signings of Álvaro Carreras (Benfica), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth), and Argentine wonderkid Franco Mastantuono (River Plate).
Defensively, Antonio Rüdiger is suspended, which could see Huijsen paired with Éder Militão at the back. Jude Bellingham is sidelined following shoulder surgery, while Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy, and new arrival Endrick are all unavailable. These absences will force Carlo Ancelotti to shuffle his squad, with opportunities likely for youngsters such as Arda Güler and Fran García.
Despite the absentees, Madrid still boast immense attacking power. With Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé leading the line, supported by Brahim Díaz and Federico Valverde, Los Blancos will expect to dominate possession and territory, even away from home.
Probable Lineups
- Real Oviedo (4-2-3-1): Escandell – Vidal, Costas, Calvo, Alhassane – Hassan, Sibo – Chaira, Ilić, Domingues – Rondón
- Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois – Trent, Huijsen, Militão, Carreras – Tchouaméni, Valverde, Güler – Díaz, Vinícius Jr, Mbappé
Tactical Outlook
Oviedo are expected to set up compact and disciplined, sitting deep while attempting to hit Madrid on transitions. Rondón’s physical presence up front could provide a platform for midfield runners like Ilić or Chaira to exploit space, while set pieces remain a major weapon.
For Madrid, control of the midfield will be key, but Ancelotti must balance attacking intent with defensive security given their absentees. While their firepower is undeniable, complacency and early-season rust could make them vulnerable to an upset if they fail to break Oviedo down quickly.
Prediction
Historically, Real Oviedo’s home record has been problematic, with 14 defeats in recent La Liga matches at the Carlos Tartiere. This plays into the hands of Real Madrid, who have claimed four wins in their last five away fixtures at this level. With Mbappé and Vinícius in top form, Madrid should have more than enough to get the job done, even with a lengthy injury list.
Prediction: Real Oviedo 0:3 Real Madrid
