Match Review: Real Madrid vs Real Oviedo
In a match that showcased the resilience of a newly-promoted side and the clinical finishing of a global superpower, Real Madrid secured a 3-0 victory over Real Oviedo at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere. While the final scoreline suggests a comfortable outing for the visitors, the match was a tightly contested affair for the better part of 80 minutes, with Oviedo’s defensive solidity and spirited performance making Madrid work for their points.
Real Madrid, under new manager Xabi Alonso, demonstrated a pragmatic approach, dominating possession and patiently probing for an opening. The starting lineup saw some surprising changes, with Kylian Mbappé leading the line and new captain Dani Carvajal returning, while Vinícius Júnior started on the bench. The home side, playing in front of a record-setting crowd in their first top-flight match in nearly 25 years, showed immense heart and discipline, frustrating Madrid’s attack for long stretches.
The game’s narrative was one of Madrid’s star power eventually overwhelming Oviedo’s collective effort. The hosts’ compact 5-4-1 formation held firm, and their goalkeeper, Aarón Escandell, was a standout, making several key saves to deny Madrid’s initial onslaught. However, in the end, the individual brilliance of Real Madrid’s attacking talent proved to be the decisive factor.
Match Stats
- Final Score: Real Oviedo 0-3 Real Madrid
- Goals: Kylian Mbappé (37′, 83′), Vinícius Júnior (90+3′)
- Possession: Real Madrid 65% – 35% Real Oviedo
- Shots: Real Madrid 26 – 6 Real Oviedo
- Expected Goals (xG): Real Madrid 2.41 – 0.68 Real Oviedo
- Assists: Arda Güler, Vinícius Júnior, Brahim Díaz
Key Moments in the Game
- First Half Breakthrough (37′): The deadlock was broken by a moment of individual brilliance. Following a strong challenge by Aurelien Tchouaméni to win the ball in midfield (a moment that drew protests from Oviedo), Arda Güler quickly fed the ball to Kylian Mbappé. The Frenchman demonstrated his lethal finishing, turning sharply on the edge of the box and drilling a low shot into the bottom corner.
- Oviedo’s Near Equalizer (81′): Just as Madrid looked to be running out of steam, Real Oviedo had their golden opportunity. A powerful low drive from Kwasi Sibo from outside the box beat a rooted Thibaut Courtois but agonizingly struck the post, preserving Madrid’s slender lead.
- The Killer Blow (83′): Sibo’s miss was a wake-up call for Madrid. Mere seconds later, Vinícius Júnior, who had come on as a substitute, dispossessed an Oviedo player and slipped a perfectly weighted pass to Mbappé. Mbappé, with his signature composure, slotted the ball home to seal his brace and effectively end the contest.
- The Late Flourish (90+3′): With Oviedo pushing forward in a last-ditch effort, Madrid capitalized on the open space. A swift counter-attack saw Brahim Díaz find Vinícius Júnior unmarked in the box. The Brazilian calmly picked out the far corner, adding a third goal and providing the final gloss to the scoreline.
Man of the Match: Kylian Mbappé
While the entire Madrid squad contributed to the win, Kylian Mbappé was the undeniable Man of the Match. His performance was a testament to his clinical nature and ability to impact a game even when his team isn’t playing at its fluid best.
- Lethal Finishing: Mbappé’s two goals were the decisive moments of the match. His first was a world-class finish from a challenging position, while the second showcased his intelligent movement and composure to capitalize on a late opportunity. He demonstrated that he only needs a small window of opportunity to find the back of the net.
- Constant Threat: Throughout the game, Mbappé’s movement and positioning kept the Oviedo defense on their toes. He was a constant threat, and his energy seemed to motivate the rest of the team, as noted by manager Xabi Alonso.
- Team Impact: Beyond his goals, Mbappé’s presence on the field opened up space for his teammates. Even when chances were not falling to him, his reputation and constant shifting of position created opportunities for others, including the likes of Arda Güler and Vinícius Júnior.
In a match that was a grind for long periods, Mbappé’s individual quality was the difference-maker, and he rightly earned the accolades for his match-winning performance.
