Real Oviedo — Real Madrid : Match Preview and Prediction for August 24,2025

Oviedo’s Resurgence and Home Advantage

After a 24-year absence, Real Oviedo’s return to the top flight is a momentous occasion, and their first home game of the season pits them directly against none other than Real Madrid. Stepping onto their beloved “Carlos Tartiere” stadium turf is a significant psychological boost for the team. While their initial league match resulted in a 2-0 defeat against Villarreal, the scoreline doesn’t paint the full picture of their performance.

Unyielding Attack Despite Adversity

A pivotal moment in that opening game was the early dismissal of key midfielder Alberto Reina before the 30-minute mark. Oviedo was forced to play with ten men for over an hour. Despite this major setback, the team managed to register 5 shots, with 4 hitting the target, and generated an impressive 0.93 expected goals (xG). Creating such potent scoring opportunities while playing a man down against a formidable opponent like Villarreal is a strong indicator of their offensive capabilities.

Strategic Reinforcements and Home Scoring Streak

Coach Veljko Paunovic has explicitly stated that his team won’t be intimidated and will stick to their attacking philosophy. Furthermore, the squad has been bolstered with new arrivals. Defender Eric Bailly, midfielder Leander Dendoncker, and winger Josip Brekalo have all been included in the matchday squad, adding crucial depth and tactical versatility. And let’s not overlook a rock-solid trend: Oviedo has found the back of the net in their last 10 consecutive home matches.

Early Season Struggles and Tactical Adjustments

Under new coach Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid kicked off their season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Osasuna. However, this win was far from convincing, with the only goal coming from a penalty. In attack, the team noticeably lacked fresh ideas to dismantle an organized defense. The “Los Blancos” squad is currently in a transitional phase under their new manager, and their on-field chemistry and tactical understanding are still far from fully optimized.

Significant Absences in Midfield and Attack

The Madrid squad is significantly weakened by crucial absences. Key central midfielders Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga will not feature in this match. Their unavailability directly impacts the team’s balance between defense and attack, creating vulnerabilities in the crucial defensive midfield area. Additionally, forward Endrick and defender Ferland Mendy are also sidelined with injuries, further limiting rotation options and overall squad depth.

Defensive Concerns and Road Woes

Real Madrid’s defensive line also raises legitimate questions. Antonio Rüdiger has only recently returned from suspension, and a young prospect like Dean Huijsen might feature in central defense. New additions like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Álvaro Carreras could occupy the flanks. This defensive setup is still gelling and lacks cohesion. Statistics from their away matches underscore these concerns: Real Madrid has conceded at least one goal in 11 of their last 16 away fixtures.