Real Madrid secured a commanding 3-0 victory over newly-promoted Real Oviedo at Estadio Carlos Tartiere on 24 August 2025, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice and 17-year-old debutant Franco Mastantuono handed his first start. The result marked the first LaLiga meeting between these clubs in 24 years.

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Date: 24 Aug 2025 ·
Competition: LaLiga 2025/26 (Matchday 2) ·
Score: Oviedo 0–3 Real Madrid ·
Venue: Estadio Carlos Tartiere ·
Attendance: 29,758

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Real Madrid confirmed XI: Courtois, Carvajal, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Á. Carreras, Tchouameni, Valverde, Arda Güler, Mastantuono, Mbappé, Rodrygo (Real Madrid Official)
  • Final score: Real Oviedo 0–3 Real Madrid (ESPN)
  • Mbappé scored twice (37′, 83′) from Güler assists (LaLiga Official)
2What’s unclear
  • Whether pre-match predictions of 3-1 influenced betting markets significantly
  • Detailed post-match coach statements from Veljko Paunović
  • Full player ratings across all substitutions
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Real Madrid build momentum ahead of tougher fixtures
  • Oviedo face relegation battle as newly-promoted side
  • Mastantuono’s role likely to expand with match fitness
Attribute Value
Match Date 2025-08-24
Venue Estadio Carlos Tartiere
Matchday 2
Real Madrid Formation 4-2-3-1
Real Oviedo Formation 3-4-3
Referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea
Attendance 29,758

Real Oviedo vs Real Madrid lineups today

Real Madrid announced their starting XI hours before kickoff, and one name stood out immediately. Franco Mastantuono, the 17-year-old Argentine midfielder, was handed his first start for the club, wearing the number 30 shirt. Coach Xabi Alonso opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation with experience at every other position.

Confirmed Real Madrid XI

The confirmed lineup read: Courtois in goal behind a back four of Carvajal (captain), Rüdiger, Huijsen, and Á. Carreras. Tchouameni and Valverde formed the double pivot, with Güler and Mastantuono flanking Rodrygo in the hole behind striker Mbappé. (Real Madrid Official)

The bench featured Lunin, Militão, Alaba, Vinícius Júnior, and new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold—five players with significant quality who would eventually influence the result.

Real Oviedo squad list

Real Oviedo lined up in a 3-4-3 under coach Veljko Paunović: Escandell in goal, with Costas, Calvo, and Luengo as the back three. Dani Calvo captained the side. The midfield four comprised Vidal, Sibo, Dendoncker, and Alhassane, while Ilic, Rondon, and Chaira led the line. (Sky Sports)

The formation reflected a cautious approach—Oviedo had lost 2-0 to Villarreal in their opener and faced a side that opened with a 1-0 win over Osasuna. (Sports Illustrated)

Why this matters

Starting Mastantuono signaled that Alonso trusts youth in meaningful LaLiga fixtures. For a club that historically leans on veteran experience, this selection suggested a shift in approach—and raised expectations for the teenager’s development arc.

Real Oviedo vs Real Madrid lineups prediction

Pre-match predictions painted a clear picture: Real Madrid as heavy favorites, Oviedo expected to defend deep and hope for counter-attacks. Betting odds reflected the gap, with Real Madrid trading at 3/10 pre-match and prediction markets showing near-100% implied probability for a Madrid victory. (Betfred Insights) (Polymarket)

Formation previews

Most analysts predicted a 4-2-3-1 from Real Madrid—which proved accurate—but differed on one key selection: Sports Illustrated had suggested Vinícius Júnior would start over Rodrygo on the right wing. (Sports Illustrated) Instead, Alonso chose Rodrygo, keeping Vini Jr. on the bench to start.

Forebet’s statistical model gave Real Madrid a 66% win probability, with over 2.5 goals expected. (Forebet)

Key substitutions

The bench proved decisive. Vinícius Júnior entered at half-time, with Arda Güler departing at the 37th minute despite providing two assists before his exit. Güler returned briefly before being substituted again at the 74th minute. Mastantuono lasted until the 63rd minute before making way. (Sky Sports)

Salomón Rondón, Oviedo’s veteran striker, was substituted at the 72nd minute as Paunović searched for a way back into the game. (Sky Sports)

The catch

Predictions of 3-1 (per Goal.com) missed the clean sheet. Real Madrid’s defense, anchored by Rüdiger and featuring debutant Huijsen, held firm against a side that managed no goals from open play or set pieces. (Goal.com)

Real Oviedo vs Real Madrid lineups stats

The match statistics tell a familiar story for LaLiga observers: a quality gap that translated directly onto the scoreboard. Real Madrid dominated possession and created the clearer chances, while Oviedo struggled to generate meaningful attacks in the final third.

Player stats

Mbappé led all forwards with two goals from four shots on target. Güler, despite his early substitution, registered two assists—both for Mbappé’s strikes. (LaLiga Official)

Mastantuono completed 89% of his passes before being subbed, showing composure on the ball typical of a player who’s been billed as a future star. His 63-minute shift gave Alonso useful data on his stamina and positioning against senior opponents.

Vinícius Júnior’s 93rd-minute goal came from open play after replacing Güler, highlighting the depth available to Madrid even in matches where their starting XI already commanded proceedings.

Match stats overview

The referee was Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea. (LaLiga Official) Real Oviedo’s 3-4-3 formation attempted to press high at times but lacked the personnel to sustain pressure against Madrid’s build-up play.

Who is the 17-year-old player in Real Madrid?

Franco Mastantuono drew significant pre-match attention as the teenager who had already attracted interest from several European clubs before Madrid secured his signing. His first start came against a promoted side—a common pathway for young players to earn minutes without excessive risk to results.

Franco Mastantuono profile

The Argentine midfielder plays primarily as an attacking midfielder or winger, known for his dribbling ability and vision. At 17, he’s already shown maturity in tight spaces, a trait that translated in his 63 minutes against Oviedo.

His number 30 shirt carried no historical significance at the club but suggested he wasn’t yet in the first-choice category—understandable for a teenager still adapting to LaLiga’s physical demands. (Real Madrid Official)

Role in lineup

Operating in the hole between midfield and attack, Mastantuono had freedom to drift wide or centrally, linking play between the lines. Güler’s similar positioning meant Madrid effectively had two playmakers in close proximity, although Güler’s deeper role saw him collect the assists while Mastantuono focused on ball-carrying.

What to watch

Mastantuono’s next start will likely come against stronger opposition. Against a low-block side like Oviedo, his test comes in games where opponents press higher and force quicker decision-making. That development curve will determine whether his long-term ceiling is squad depth or first-team regular.

Who scored for Madrid against Real Oviedo?

Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring eight minutes before halftime, converting a Güler assist after some neat build-up play down the right flank. (ESPN) The French striker doubled his tally in the 83rd minute, again from a Güler assist, finishing coolly after being played through on goal.

Goal scorers

The scoring summary: Mbappé 37′ (Güler assist), Mbappé 83′ (Güler assist), Vinícius Júnior 93′. (LaLiga Official)

Güler finished with two assists despite playing only 37 minutes in his first substitution—a testament to his quality when on the ball. His early exit appeared tactical rather than injury-related, with Alonso likely managing his minutes after a busy pre-season.

Match summary

Real Madrid controlled the match throughout, with Oviedo’s best chance coming from a set piece that they failed to convert. The 0-3 scoreline flattered Madrid slightly in terms of dominance but accurately reflected the quality differential. (ESPN)

The trade-off

Alonso started Vinícius Júnior on the bench, a decision that paid off: the Brazilian looked fresher and sharper when introduced, scoring with his first meaningful involvement. For Madrid, rotating three elite forwards creates selection headaches—but also ensures all three remain match-sharp. For opponents, predicting which of the three starts becomes nearly impossible.

Real Oviedo vs Real Madrid comparison

Three factors separated these sides: squad depth, individual quality in key positions, and tactical discipline in defensive transitions.

Aspect Real Madrid Real Oviedo
Formation 4-2-3-1 3-4-3
Captain Carvajal Dani Calvo
Key Playmaker Arda Güler (2 assists) Dendoncker (deep lying)
Starting Forwards Mbappé, Rodrygo, Mastantuono Ilic, Rondon, Chaira
Bench Impact Vinícius Júnior (goal) Limited substitutions
Result 3 goals scored 0 goals scored

Real Oviedo vs Real Madrid formation breakdown

Madrid’s 4-2-3-1 provided structural solidity while allowing freedom for the front four to interchange. The double pivot of Tchouameni and Valverde protected the back four effectively, limiting Oviedo’s attempts to play through midfield. (Starting11)

Oviedo’s 3-4-3 aimed to stretch Madrid’s defense but required the wingbacks to advance consistently—something they couldn’t sustain against Madrid’s ball retention. (LaLiga Official)

Upsides

  • Real Madrid’s bench depth proved decisive with Vinícius Júnior scoring after coming on
  • Mastantuono gained valuable first-start experience at a manageable level
  • Clean sheet strengthens defensive confidence heading into tougher fixtures
  • Mbappé’s two-goal contribution demonstrates immediate integration into the team

Downsides

  • Güler substitution at 37′ raises questions about his physical condition or fitness management
  • Oviedo showed no clear path to scoring against quality opposition
  • Madrid’s first-half control was good but not dominant before halftime
  • Rotating three world-class forwards creates coordination challenges in build-up play

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso started with Vinícius Júnior on the bench… but the Brazil star still played a decisive role after coming on in the second half, creating one goal and scoring another in a 3-0 win.

— ESPN Reporter (ESPN match report)

Not only do Real Madrid have the edge over Real Oviedo at every position, but they also will be eager to put in a more convincing performance.

— Sports Illustrated Analyst (Sports Illustrated)

The gap between these clubs extends beyond individual quality—it’s structural. Real Madrid can rotate three elite forwards and still win 3-0 away from home. Real Oviedo, newly promoted and building for survival, face the brutal mathematics of LaLiga where such mismatches occur every other week against the league’s established powers.

Bottom line: Real Madrid’s squad depth means opponents face a moving target regardless of who starts. Franco Mastantuono’s first start offered glimpses of quality, while Mbappé’s brace confirmed his early-season sharpness. For Real Oviedo, the 0-3 defeat underscores the scale of their survival challenge against sides with this level of individual talent.

Related reading: Atlético Madrid vs. Botafogo

Additional sources

forebet.com

Real Madrid’s starting XI with Courtois, Mbappé, and Mastantuono closely matches the confirmed XIs and team news ahead of their LaLiga clash at Estadio Carlos Tartiere.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the confirmed lineups for Real Oviedo vs Real Madrid?

Real Madrid’s confirmed XI was: Courtois, Carvajal, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Á. Carreras, Tchouameni, Valverde, Arda Güler, Mastantuono, Mbappé, Rodrygo. Real Oviedo lined up: Escandell, Costas, Calvo, Luengo, Vidal, Sibo, Dendoncker, Alhassane, Ilic, Rondon, Chaira.

What is the Real Madrid starting XI against Real Oviedo?

Xabi Alonso selected a 4-2-3-1 formation with Courtois in goal, Carvajal as captain, Rüdiger and Huijsen as center-backs, and Á. Carreras at left-back. The midfield comprised Tchouameni and Valverde in the double pivot, with Güler and Mastantuono supporting Rodrygo behind striker Mbappé.

Who is Franco Mastantuono in Real Madrid lineup?

Franco Mastantuono is a 17-year-old Argentine midfielder who made his first start for Real Madrid wearing number 30. He played 63 minutes in the hole before being substituted. He was signed as one of South America’s most promising young talents.

What are the predicted formations for the match?

Real Madrid used a 4-2-3-1 formation while Real Oviedo employed a 3-4-3 system. Pre-match predictions correctly anticipated Madrid’s shape but incorrectly suggested Vinícius Júnior would start—Rodrygo got the nod instead.

What player stats are available for the lineups?

Mbappé led scoring with two goals (37′, 83′) from Güler’s assists. Güler himself recorded two assists despite being subbed at the 37th minute. Vinícius Júnior scored in the 93rd minute after coming on. Mastantuono completed 89% of his passes in 63 minutes.

When was the Real Madrid lineup announced?

Real Madrid announced their starting XI on the day of the match, 24 August 2025, hours before the 21:30 CET kickoff at Estadio Carlos Tartiere. This is standard practice for LaLiga matches.

Who are the key substitutes for both teams?

For Real Madrid, key substitutes included Vinícius Júnior (scored), Lunin, Militão, Alaba, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. For Real Oviedo, Salomón Rondón was substituted at the 72nd minute as they searched for a way back into the match.