Real Madrid possible starting lineup today against Real Oviedo in LaLiga
Los Blancos visit the Carlos Tartiere stadium after beating Osasuna on Matchday 1.
Real Madrid travel to Oviedo (Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT) aiming for their second league win of the season, but the week has revolved around one lingering question: Who will start on the right wing in Xabi Alonso’s setup?
The coach has primarily worked with Brahim Díaz, valuing his balance and experience, but Franco Mastantuono—the club’s new Argentine jewel—has impressed with sharp performances in training and encouraging minutes in his debut against Osasuna.
There’s also the Rodrygo option. As Alonso reminded reporters, “All the decisions regarding the game and the starting eleven are solely mine. I weigh them with my staff, and we decide what’s best for each match. I speak with many players, and I’ve spoken with Rodrygo too, of course,” he said in Friday’s press conference.
The formation looks set: Alonso is sticking with his dynamic 4-3-3, featuring full-backs pushing high and a midfield that blends power with creativity. A boost comes with Antonio Rüdiger’s return from a six-match suspension, though he is not expected to start. Absent from the traveling squad are Endrick, Camavinga, Mendy, and Bellingham, all sidelined with various injuries.
To round out the list, Alonso once again turned to the youth ranks, calling up Sergio Mestre and Thiago Pitarch. The midfielder could see minutes depending on the match situation.
As for the likely XI, Madrid are expected to line up with Courtois; Trent, Militão, Huijsen, and Carreras; Tchouaméni, Güler, and Valverde; Vinícius and Mbappé, with either Brahim or Mastantuono completing the front three.
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The match, refereed by Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, kicks off Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET (12:30 p.m. PT) at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium. U.S. viewers can watch live on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes.
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