Battle of two Reals – Oviedo’s party, Madrid's alert

The Carlos Tartiere stadium is set for a historic night. After 24 years, Oviedo will host a First Division match, and it’s no ordinary fixture—it’s against Real Madrid. The occasion promises to be a grand celebration in Oviedo, with Paunovic’s squad hoping to clinch a memorable victory over Xabi Alonso’s side, who are under pressure to improve after a mixed performance against Osasuna last Tuesday. Despite the win, Madrid left lingering questions from that match.

With only four days between the Osasuna clash and this one, Xabi Alonso is likely to field the same starting eleven. In defense, Antonio Rudiger returns from a six-match ban from last season’s Copa del Rey final, but Militao and Huijsen are expected to retain their partnership at center-back. The midfield trio of Tchouameni, Fede Valverde, and Arda Guler looks set to continue.

The main uncertainty is the right-wing slot to accompany Mbappe and Vinicius, both guaranteed starters. Candidates include Brahim Diaz, Franco Mastantuono, and Rodrygo. Brahim started against Osasuna and in the only preseason friendly but was largely unnoticed at the Bernabeu.

Mastantuono played 30 minutes in La Liga and earned praise from Alonso. Rodrygo, meanwhile, is surrounded by transfer speculation. Alonso could appease him with a start, but if he plays, it will likely be in the second half.

On Oviedo’s side, Veljko Paunovic can call upon the club’s three newest signings: Ivorian center-back Bailly, Belgian midfielder Dendoncker, and Croatian winger Brekalo. Of the trio, Dendoncker seems the most likely to start.

Paunovic, however, will miss Alberto Reina due to suspension and continues to be without the injured Lucas Ahijado, though Santiago Colombatto returns to the squad. David Costas, suspended for Oviedo’s league opener, is expected to slot into central defense instead of Luengo. Up front, Salomon Rondon is likely to start again, with Fede Vinas sidelined due to illness.

LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 2

Friday

Betis - Alaves 1-0 (1-0)

/Lo Celso 16/

Saturday

Mallorca - Celta 1-1 (0-1)

/Morey Bauza 88 - Rueda 38/

Atletico Madrid - Elche 1-1 (1-1)

/Sorloth 8 - Mir 15/

Levante - Barcelona 2-3 (2-2)

/Romero 15, Luis Morales 45+7 pen - Pedri 49, Ferran Torres 52, Elguezabal 90+1 (og)/

Sunday

18.00: (2.50) Osasuna (3.15) Valencia (3.20)

20.30: (1.90) Sociedad (3.50) Espanyol (4.60)

20.30: (1.58) Villareal (4.45) Girona (5.80)

22.30: (10.0) Oviedo (5.00) Real Madrid (1.33)

Monday

20.30: (1.75) Athletic Bilbao (3.60) Rayo Vallecano (5.60)

22.30: (2.30) Sevilla (3.10) Getafe (3.40)

***odds are subject to change***