Real Madrid Dominate Real Oviedo: Mbappé Shines with a Brace, Vinícius Seals the Win

Real Madrid continued their strong start to the 2025/26 La Liga campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Real Oviedo. In a match that showcased both superstar brilliance and tactical intelligence, Kylian Mbappé’s two goals and a late strike from Vinícius Júnior ensured that Los Blancos walked away from the Estadio Carlos Tartiere with all three points.

A Dream Start for Madrid, A Harsh Lesson for Oviedo

For Real Oviedo, the fixture was meant to be a celebratory return to Spain’s top division after more than two decades. Their fans filled the stadium with passion, dreaming of an upset against the reigning giants. But dreams can quickly collide with reality when faced with a team boasting Mbappé, Vinícius, and the tactical touch of Xabi Alonso.

From the first whistle, Madrid dictated the pace. They controlled possession, pressed high, and never allowed Oviedo to find rhythm. Despite some resilient defending from the home side in the opening stages, Madrid’s class eventually broke through.

Mbappé’s Double: Ruthless, Clinical, Unstoppable

The night belonged to Kylian Mbappé, who is already proving why his arrival has changed the face of Madrid’s attack. His first goal came midway through the first half—a moment of pure anticipation and precision. Drifting into the box at the perfect time, he met a sharp pass and calmly slotted the ball past the Oviedo goalkeeper.

After halftime, Mbappé doubled his tally. It wasn’t just about scoring; it was about how he created the chance. He darted between defenders with pace, received a clever assist from Vinícius, and finished with the kind of composure only a world-class forward possesses. With two goals to his name, Mbappé once again underlined his role as Madrid’s new spearhead.

Vinícius Júnior’s Redemption Arc

While Mbappé stole the headlines, Vinícius Júnior’s story added a human twist to the night. The Brazilian star was surprisingly benched by Alonso, who opted to start young Franco Mastantuono instead. For a player of Vinícius’ stature, being left out could have been a blow to his confidence.

But when he was introduced in the second half, Vinícius didn’t sulk—he responded. First, he assisted Mbappé’s second goal with a perfectly weighted pass. Then, deep into stoppage time, he danced past Oviedo’s tired defenders and calmly scored Madrid’s third. His celebration wasn’t one of arrogance, but of relief and determination—a reminder that great players don’t just shine when trusted, they shine even brighter when challenged.

Alonso’s Tactical Masterclass

This match was also about Xabi Alonso’s growing influence as Real Madrid manager. Choosing to rotate the squad by resting Vinícius and starting Mastantuono was a bold decision, but it paid off. The youngster looked composed, and Madrid’s structure never faltered.

In midfield, Aurélien Tchouaméni was dominant—breaking up play, winning duels, and distributing with accuracy. Arda Güler added creativity, threading passes that stretched Oviedo’s defense. At the back, Thibaut Courtois made crucial saves to deny the hosts any momentum, while Dani Carvajal led the defensive line with experience and authority.

Alonso’s biggest success wasn’t just the win—it was the way he managed personalities. By benching Vinícius but still giving him enough time to shine, he created healthy competition within the squad, proving that no one is untouchable, yet everyone has a role to play.

Oviedo’s Reality Check

For Real Oviedo, this was a night of mixed emotions. The energy from their fans and the pride of being back in La Liga was palpable, but Madrid’s dominance showed the gulf between newly promoted teams and established powerhouses. Still, Oviedo fought with heart, blocking shots and chasing every ball until fatigue eventually set in.

This defeat will sting, but it’s also a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. For Oviedo, survival in La Liga will not be decided against Madrid, but against the clubs closer to their level.

What This Means for Real Madrid

With this victory, Madrid remain perfect at the start of the season. Two matches, two wins, and a squad that looks hungry, sharp, and balanced. Mbappé’s arrival has clearly elevated the team’s attacking threat, while Vinícius’ response to adversity adds depth to the narrative of a team not just built on talent, but also resilience.

The message is clear: this Madrid side is not only built to compete but to dominate. With Alonso’s tactical intelligence, Mbappé’s finishing, Vinícius’ flair, and the depth across the squad, they look ready to chase every trophy available.

The Human Story Behind the Scoreline

What makes this victory special isn’t just the three goals. It’s the stories within the match:

• A superstar newcomer (Mbappé) showing why he is the centerpiece of the project.
• A fan favorite (Vinícius) proving his worth after a benching.
• A young debutant (Mastantuono) stepping onto the stage with confidence.
• A manager (Alonso) quietly shaping the identity of his team with bold choices.

Football is never just about statistics—it’s about emotions, resilience, and character. In Oviedo, Real Madrid gave the world a glimpse of all three.