Real Madrid remain flawless in La Liga after two matchdays. Xabi Alonso’s team defeated Real Oviedo thanks to standout Kylian Mbappé and a goal from Vinícius Júnior. The Royal Club reached a ten-year-old milestone.
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Real Madrid won 3–0 against Real Oviedo in Asturias, continuing their perfect start to the La Liga season and further underlining the team’s early dominance under Xabi Alonso.
With two victories in as many games, Los Blancos sit comfortably alongside Villarreal and Barcelona as the only clubs still flawless after two matchdays. Beyond the scoreline, however, the match carried emotional weight on both sides: for Oviedo, it marked another chapter in what has already been described as a fairytale season, while for Real it was a demonstration of the power and depth of a squad built to challenge for every possible trophy this year.
For Real Oviedo, just being on the pitch with Madrid was a symbolic triumph. The club’s return to La Liga after twenty-four long years was already a cause for celebration, and the fans filled the Estadio Carlos Tartiere with energy and pride, knowing that these are the moments they had been waiting for since the late 1990s. Much of the emotion was tied to veteran Santi Cazorla, the club’s beloved prodigal son. The midfielder came through Oviedo’s youth academy before moving on to Villarreal and later building an illustrious career with Arsenal and the Spanish national team. When he returned to Oviedo in the summer of 2023, at the age of forty, it was more than a signing it was a homecoming. For Cazorla, it fulfilled a lifelong dream to once again wear the colours of the club that shaped him. Even though he did not step onto the pitch against Real Madrid, remaining on the bench, his presence alone was symbolic, and the fans treated him like the legend he has become.
On the field, Real Madrid quickly took control of proceedings. Alonso’s side dominated possession and dictated the tempo, forcing Oviedo deep into their own half. The Asturian team worked tirelessly to close down space and frustrate Madrid’s attackers, but the difference in class became increasingly evident as the first half wore on. Still, despite creating several opportunities, Madrid had to wait until just before halftime to finally break the deadlock.
The opening goal came from none other than Kylian Mbappé, who has already begun to live up to the enormous expectations placed upon him since his arrival. The French forward showed his trademark acceleration and clinical finishing, turning an assist from Turkish prodigy Arda Güler into the 0–1 lead. The moment was not without controversy, as Oviedo players immediately appealed for a foul by Aurélien Tchouaméni in the buildup. However, the referee allowed play to continue, and with no intervention from VAR, the goal stood. The decision sparked frustration among Oviedo players and supporters, but Madrid celebrated with relief, knowing how important it was to take control of the match before halftime.
The second half followed a similar script: Real Madrid remained in control but struggled to find the decisive second goal. Oviedo, cheered on by their passionate supporters, refused to give up and even came agonisingly close to equalising. Kwasi Sibo struck the post in what would have been a historic goal for the home side, a moment that had the entire stadium holding its breath. Had that shot gone in, the match could have taken a very different turn, but fortune favoured Madrid, and they escaped unpunished.
The warning seemed to awaken Madrid, who responded with greater urgency. Xabi Alonso made tactical changes, introducing Vinícius Júnior from the bench, and the Brazilian immediately made his presence felt. With his speed, flair, and ability to break through defensive lines, Vinícius created new problems for the Oviedo backline. It was his sharp play that set up Mbappé for his second goal of the night, effectively sealing the victory at 0–2. For Mbappé, scoring twice in his second league appearance was another reminder that he has the ability to carry Real Madrid on the biggest stages, and his partnership with Vinícius already looks promising.
In stoppage time, Vinícius himself put his name on the scoresheet, adding a third goal to complete a professional and emphatic win. The final scoreline of 0–3 reflected Madrid’s superiority, though Oviedo’s resilience and near equaliser ensured the visitors were tested.
The victory carried additional historical significance. With back-to-back clean sheets to start the season, Real Madrid achieved a defensive milestone not seen in a decade. Thibaut Courtois, returning to top form after injury setbacks, played a crucial role, commanding his area and making sure his defenders remained organised. His leadership and reliability were evident, and his consecutive shutouts provided the backbone for Madrid’s perfect start. Remarkably, this is only the fourth time in the twenty-first century that Real Madrid have opened a La Liga campaign with two consecutive clean sheets.
For Xabi Alonso, still in the early stages of his tenure as Real Madrid manager, this start is a validation of his tactical ideas and leadership. The team already shows a balance between attacking brilliance and defensive discipline, something that Madrid have sometimes lacked in recent years. With Mbappé integrating quickly, Güler showing flashes of brilliance, and veterans like Courtois and Dani Carvajal leading by example, Los Blancos look well equipped to compete not just domestically but also in Europe.
For Oviedo, meanwhile, this match will not be remembered for the scoreline but for the occasion. Facing Real Madrid at home, in front of their supporters, after so many years outside the top flight, was an event in itself. Their fighting spirit and the narrow margins particularly Sibo’s shot against the post reminded fans that they can be competitive at this level. Their season will not be defined by results against Madrid, Barcelona, or Villarreal, but rather by their ability to win the crucial games against mid-table and lower-table opponents. With the leadership of Cazorla, even if mostly from the sidelines, and the passion of their fans, Oviedo will hope that this fairytale season continues beyond survival and into consolidation in La Liga.
Ultimately, the night in Asturias belonged to Real Madrid. Mbappé’s brace and Vinícius’s late strike gave them a comfortable victory, their defence remained unbreached once again, and history was made with their best defensive start to a league campaign in a decade. For Madridistas, it was another reason to dream of a season that could bring glory both at home and abroad.
