Xabi Alonso's plan against Oviedo: Mastantuono in the starting line-up

Real Madrid played against Osasuna this past Tuesday, but they're already focused on Oviedo. Next Sunday, they'll face the second league matchday in another game that looks challenging. The Asturians will follow the same plan as the Rojillos, wanting to sit back to make things difficult for the Merengues' attacks.

Xabi Alonso knows this, so he's preparing a special plan to try to get a positive result from the match. For that, the big surprise could be starting Franco Mastantuono at Carlos Tartiere. This is something he's tested at Valdebebas in recent days, as Defensa Central has been able to confirm.

In the match against Osasuna, Brahim didn't reach the desired level and ended up being substituted. The Morocco international didn't get on the ball as much as expected. Between the lines, he wasn't decisive, which is what the team needed to break down the opposing defense that sat very deep.

To solve that, he can trust Mastantuono, who'll already have more training sessions under his belt. In addition, the impression he left in the first league match was good. He sparked excitement among the fans, but also for Xabi Alonso, who drew positive conclusions.

What Mastantuono can bring against Oviedo to secure the 3 points

Everything seems to indicate that Oviedo will try to set up a match similar to Osasuna's. Sitting back, keeping their lines tight to make it difficult for Real Madrid's attacks. If they can, they'll try to take advantage of a counterattack to score a goal that could tilt the match in their favor.

That's why Mastantuono's contribution could be important to break down the opposing wall. He'll be a player starting from the right wing, but with the freedom to move toward the center. This way, he'll be able to help create play, between the lines, and even by carrying the ball forward.

Moreover, against Osasuna, he had a good chance with a shot, although it was from a tight angle. He did it by entering the box from the left, proof of the mobility Mastantuono will have. In fact, he could be a good complement to link up with Vinícius and Mbappé.