Coach Xabi Alonso made several changes from Real Madrid’s opening match, giving starts to Dani Carvajal, Rodrygo, and youngster Franco Mastantuono. Center back Antonio Rudiger also returned from suspension to partner with Dean Huijsen. Upfront, Vinicius Junior was rested, making way for Rodrygo.
Against the newly promoted side, Real Madrid dominated, taking 17 shots in the first half alone. However, goalkeeper Aaron Escandell put on a superb performance, making several incredible saves to keep Oviedo in the game.
Oviedo held on until the 37th minute when Mbappe latched onto a long pass from Arda Guler, beating the offside trap to slot the ball into the near corner. The goal demonstrated the French forward’s readiness to wear the number 10 shirt, a number considered to carry significant weight at Real Madrid after several previous wearers failed to live up to expectations.
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Mbappe (number 10, white) scores during Real Madrid’s win against Oviedo at the Nuevo Carlos Tartiere Stadium in Oviedo, Spain, on 24/8. Photo: Reuters |
Mbappe (number 10, white) scores during Real Madrid’s win against Oviedo at the Nuevo Carlos Tartiere Stadium in Oviedo, Spain, on 24/8. Photo: Reuters
Oviedo withstood constant pressure throughout the match before creating their only real chance in the 82nd minute. Kwasi Sibo’s powerful long-range shot beat goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, but struck the post.
Just a minute after this near miss, Real Madrid extinguished any remaining hope for the home side. Vinicius Junior weaved his way down the left wing before setting up Mbappe for a simple tap-in to make it 2-0. Vinicius Junior then secured the 3-0 victory for Real Madrid after combining with Brahim Diaz.
After two matches, Real Madrid remain unbeaten with four goals scored and none conceded, sitting third in La Liga behind Villarreal and Barcelona. Three of Real Madrid’s four goals have been scored by Mbappe, who recently broke Cristiano Ronaldo's record for shirt sales in the first 48 hours at Real Madrid with his new number 10 jersey.
Vy Anh
