This evening, on Sunday, August 24, 2025, Real Madrid will face Real Oviedo in a historic LaLiga clash at Estadio Carlos Tartiere. This match marks Real Oviedo’s first home top-flight game against Los Blancos in 24 years, following their promotion back to LaLiga. Both teams are eager to secure valuable points early in the season, with Real Madrid aiming for a perfect start and Oviedo hoping to shock the Spanish giants in front of a packed home crowd.

Recent Form & Context

Real Oviedo

Real Oviedo returned to LaLiga with a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Villarreal. Their pre-season was mixed, and they now face a formidable challenge against one of Europe’s elite teams.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid kicked off their campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Osasuna. Under new coach Xabi Alonso, the team is still establishing a new identity but has already demonstrated defensive solidity and glimpses of their traditional attacking flair.

Head-to-Head & History

• The last LaLiga meeting between these two teams was in June 2001, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
• Real Madrid has the historical advantage, showcasing superior quality and depth at every position.
• This match symbolizes Oviedo’s long journey back to the elite level, while Madrid aims to avoid any slip-ups against a newly promoted team.

Team News & Predicted Lineups

Real Oviedo

• Unavailable: Álvaro Lemos, Lucas Ahijado, Jaime Vázquez (injuries), Brandon Domingues (illness), Alberto Reina (suspension from red card).
• Possible Return: Santiago Colombatto may feature after missing pre-season.

Predicted XI (3-4-3):
Escandell; Costas, Dendoncker, Calvo; Vidal, Ilić, Sibo, Alhassane; Chaira, Rondón, Hassan.

Real Madrid

• Unavailable: Jude Bellingham, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, Endrick (injuries).
• Antonio Rüdiger returns from suspension and could start alongside Militão in defense.
• Xabi Alonso might give young Franco Mastantuono some minutes due to injuries in midfield and attack.

Predicted XI (4-3-3):
Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Güler; Díaz, Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior.

Tactical Overview

Real Madrid is expected to dominate possession and attack in waves, utilizing the pace of Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on the flanks. With Bellingham and Camavinga sidelined, Güler and Valverde will bear extra responsibility in midfield, aiming to complement Díaz’s creativity. The defensive pairing of Militão and possibly Rüdiger will provide strength and leadership at the back.

Real Oviedo will likely defend deep, looking for counterattacking opportunities and aiming to exploit any gaps during Madrid’s transitions. Veteran striker Salomón Rondón will be crucial upfront, hoping to challenge the Madrid center-backs with his aerial prowess.

Match Facts & Stats

• Real Madrid began their league campaign with a victory but struggled to create chances from open play without Bellingham.
• Oviedo lost their opener and is still acclimatizing to LaLiga’s intensity, but the home crowd is expected to provide an emotional boost.
• Madrid is unbeaten in opening away games in LaLiga since 2015.

Prediction

Predictions heavily favor Real Madrid, with analysts expecting their world-class front line to break through Oviedo’s defenses. Xabi Alonso’s side will aim for a more convincing performance after their narrow win over Osasuna, with Mbappé and Vinícius likely to be key scorers. A 2-0 or 3-1 victory for Real Madrid is widely anticipated.

How to Watch

• Kick-off: 21:30 CEST (Oviedo local time)
• Venue: Estadio Carlos Tartiere, Oviedo
• TV/Stream: DAZN LaLiga (Spain), ESPN Deportes (USA), TSN+ (Canada), Sky Sports (Mexico), Premier Sports 1 (UK)

This matchup promises to deliver drama and nostalgia, as the historic Oviedo returns to the grand stage to test themselves against a Real Madrid team still in pursuit of perfection and evolution under Xabi Alonso.