The 2025/26 La Liga season started nicely, and on the 24th of August in 2025 (7:30 PM UTC), all eyes will be on Estadio Carlos Tartiere for the emotional and thrilling fixture of Real Oviedo hosting Real Madrid. What makes this match even more historic is that it is Real Oviedo's first-ever top-flight home game after the 2000/01 season. For the home side, getting to play Real Madrid in their first game back in the competition is one way to make the occasion extra special.

After finishing as runners-up in the Segunda Division playoffs, Real Oviedo ascended into Spain's First Division after more than twenty years. Their rise to fame has been extraordinary because this very club has played in the third and fourth divisions over the last 20 years. This season, staying up is the big goal; however, some interesting signings have boosted the squad.

Oviedo opened their season with a 2-0 defeat to Villarreal, where Rondón missed a penalty, and Alberto Reina was sent off. The club has scored only 3 goals in their last 7 matches (including preseason), underlining their struggles in front of goal.

• Escandell–Vidal, Costas, Calvo, Alhassane–Sibo, Cazorla–Chaira, Ilić, Hassan–Rondón

Real Madrid finished second in La Liga last season, trailing champions Barcelona by four points. They also exited the Champions League in the quarter-finals at the hands of Arsenal. This season marks the first full campaign under Xabi Alonso, who succeeded Carlo Ancelotti. Madrid’s project is focused on blending youth with world-class stars like Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.

Madrid’s depth will be tested due to multiple absentees:

• Unavailable: Jude Bellingham (shoulder surgery), Eduardo Camavinga (injury), Ferland Mendy (injury), and Endrick (injury).

• Return: Antonio Rüdiger is back from suspension.

• Courtois—Alexander-Arnold, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras—Valverde, Tchouaméni, Güler—Brahim, Mbappé, Vinícius Jr.

Expect Oviedo to sit deep, be compact, and search for opportunities at the counter. Rondón will be the main point, relying on his physicality to keep the action going. Ilić and Chaira could exploit space left behind Madrid’s attacking full-backs. Set pieces will also be a key weapon.

Madrid will dominate possession, with Valverde and Tchouaméni tasked to control midfield tempo. Mbappé and Vinícius could have opportunities thanks to Alexander-Arnold's crosses, and Güler contributes innovation when Bellingham isn't there. Breaking down Oviedo's low block without opening themselves up to counterattacks will be crucial for Madrid.

Expect to see Mbappé and Vinícius really shine, but Oviedo could have a hard time finding their groove in the final third.

There is considerably more at stake in this match than just three points. For Real Oviedo, it is a celebration of their return to the top flight after 24 years, with fans filling the Carlos Tartiere in full voice. However, they face one of the strongest sides in world football. Even though Real Madrid may not be fully fit because of injuries, they are still likely to be boosted by the attacking talents of Mbappé and Vinícius.

Madrid aims to maintain their current form in La Liga to apply early-season pressure on Barcelona by going for two wins out of two. For Oviedo, any positive result would be historic, but realistically, they will measure success in terms of performance rather than points in this clash.

• Predicted Outcome: Real Oviedo 0-3 Real Madrid

Real Oviedo’s La Liga homecoming is a story of resilience and passion, but Real Madrid arrive with too much quality for them to realistically handle. Expect a dominant away performance, with Mbappé likely on the scoresheet again.