Possible line-up for Real Madrid tonight in Oviedo

Real Madrid face Real Oviedo tonight, starting at 9:30 p.m., in the second matchday of La Liga at the Carlos Tartiere stadium; a very special match for the "carbayones," who secured promotion to the First Division this past June and will play a new campaign in the top tier of Spanish soccer 24 years later, although the last time Los Blancos visited Asturias was in 2002, in a Copa del Rey round of 32 match (0-4).

Oviedo make their home debut in the domestic tournament after losing last week to Villarreal at La Cerámica (2-0), while Madrid make their first away trip after defeating Osasuna this Tuesday thanks to an immense Kylian Mbappé. The French forward was back to his usual self and, in a fresher and more agile version, won a penalty that he later converted, deceiving Sergio Herrera.

"I try to help him, for the team to help him, for him to help the team win matches and for him to feel comfortable. This is about the team and Kylian is an essential part of the team, because of the weight and influence he has on the rest," Xabi Alonso admitted this Saturday from Valdebebas, in the press conference he gave after the last training session with the group. The coach spoke vaguely about the different tactical options Madrid have, but he did not give any hints about Sunday's starting line-up.

"We already used the three-center-back system to see what feeling it left and we can have that flexibility because some players have already played in other systems and can understand it well," Xabi pointed out, who already reminded everyone this Tuesday that no one has a guaranteed spot. This is a message for those who feel indispensable, who are not, and also for those whose situation is hanging in the air. Rodrygo Goes stands out among the latter.

No changes

Madrid arrive in Oviedo, seeking another three points to give it a positive and calm start to the new season, as Defensa Central already revealed that Xabi asked the squad for days ago. The coach from Tolosa doesn't introduce major changes in the starting eleven, as he is faithful to the maxim that what works should not be changed. Although the coach could decide at the last minute to start Rodrygo or Franco Mastantuono, the favorite to start is once again Brahim Díaz. The player from Málaga is in luck, just as the club has already reached an agreement with him to renew his contract.

This way, Alonso will once again bet on the defense he already lined up this Tuesday against Osasuna. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Álvaro Carreras will be the right and left backs, respectively, while Éder Militao and Dean Huijsen will be the center backs. Thibaut Courtois, as always, will be in goal. Also repeating in midfield are Aurélien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde, and Arda Güler.

In attack, Kylian Mbappé will once again be the main reference. The Frenchman will be accompanied by Vinicius, who must get back on track as soon as possible after a season start that borders on the end of his previous campaign. "I see him well and we're just getting started. Everyone is very eager, we know how important this year is, although at Madrid every season is important," Alonso concluded about the "7" from Valdebebas to defend his footballer.

Possible Real Madrid line-up

Courtois; Trent, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouameni, Valverde, Güler; Brahim, Vinicius, and Mbappé.

Possible Real Oviedo line-up

Escandell; Costas, Dedondecker, Calvo; Nacho Vidal, Sibo, Ilic, Alhassane; Hassan, Chaira, and Rondón.