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Real Madrid continued their strong start to the La Liga season with a 3-0 win away to newly-promoted Real Oviedo on Sunday night. Kylian Mbappe scored twice before Vinicius Jr came off the bench to add a third, sealing all three points for Xabi Alonso’s side.
For Oviedo, this was more than just a league fixture. After nearly 25 years away from Spain’s top flight, their return brought a packed stadium and passionate fans, eager to welcome one of Europe’s biggest clubs. But despite their energy, Madrid’s quality proved too much.
First-Half Breakthrough
Madrid coach Xabi Alonso made several changes from their narrow 1-0 win over Osasuna in the opening game. Vinicius Jr and Trent Alexander-Arnold were left on the bench, with Rodrygo Goes and Dani Carvajal taking their places. Young Argentine Franco Mastantuono was also handed his first start, showcasing flashes of skill and confidence.
Oviedo created an early scare when Leander Dendoncker tried to lob Thibaut Courtois in the 23rd minute, but the Madrid keeper dealt with it comfortably. Madrid then began to grow into the game, with Turkish midfielder Arda Guler pulling the strings. He came close to scoring himself before setting up Mbappe in the 37th minute.
Guler’s sharp pass found Mbappe in space, and the French striker spun quickly before finishing past Aaron Escandell to put Madrid ahead. Oviedo players protested the build-up, claiming Aurelien Tchouameni had fouled Dendoncker before winning possession, but the referee allowed the goal to stand.
Madrid in Control
The second half started with Madrid pushing for another goal. A defensive error almost gifted them one, but Escandell stayed alert to prevent further damage. Alonso then introduced Vinicius Jr and Brahim Diaz just after the hour mark, giving Madrid fresh energy in attack.
Diaz immediately made an impact by setting up Fede Valverde with a clever pass, but Escandell again came to Oviedo’s rescue with a fingertip save. Oviedo nearly shocked Madrid in the 81st minute when Kwasi Sibo struck the post, sending the home fans to their feet.
That moment sparked Madrid back into life. Just two minutes later, Vinicius won the ball high up the pitch and cleverly slipped a pass to Mbappe, who calmly slotted home his second of the night. Then, deep into stoppage time, Diaz set up Vinicius to finish coolly and complete the 3-0 win.
Reactions
After the match, Alonso praised his squad’s depth and team spirit. “We have more than 20 players in the squad, and all of them need to feel important,” he told DAZN. “The decisions I make are for the good of the team. Step by step, we are seeing positive signs.”
Vinicius, who responded strongly after being benched, also earned credit for his impact off the bench with a goal and an assist.
For Oviedo, goalkeeper Aaron Escandell admitted the team’s mistakes cost them dearly but thanked the supporters. “In the first half, we didn’t compete as we wanted. Against these teams, mistakes are very costly. But I’m grateful to the fans – I think we broke an attendance record today,” he said.
Elsewhere in La Liga
In other league action, Villarreal demolished Girona 5-0 at home, with new signing Tajon Buchanan scoring a hat-trick on his league debut. Girona, who played in last season’s Champions League, have now lost both opening games, conceding seven goals without scoring.
Real Sociedad staged a spirited comeback to draw 2-2 with Espanyol after being two goals down at half-time. Goals from Ander Barrenetxea and Orri Oskarsson rescued a point in front of their home crowd.
Meanwhile, Osasuna earned a 1-0 win over Valencia thanks to Ante Budimir’s early strike. Valencia’s task was made harder when they were reduced to 10 men.