Kylian Mbappe made it three goals in two games to open the new La Liga season, while Vinicius Jr responded to being dropped with a late effort, as Real Madrid secured back-to-back wins by bursting the Real Oviedo balloon tonight.
The hosts came up via the Segunda Division play-offs and had hoped to celebrate their first home game in the top-flight game in 24 years with a statement win against the 15-time European champions.
Madrid had other ideas, though, and Mbappe’s brace either side of half-time was enough to give Xabi Alonso’s men a deserved three points.
Alonso bravery pays off
Alonso made some eye-catching decisions in his starting line-up, 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono and Rodrygo brought into the XI with Vinicius Jr among those dropped to the bench.
The Brazil international did enter the fray 18 minutes into the second half and appeared determined to make up for lost time, producing a lively display that saw him assist Mbappe for Madrid’s second before getting on the scoresheet himself.
Madrid also enjoyed moments of fortune with their opener surprisingly allowed to stand.
France midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni crashed into Leander Dendoncker, winning the ball but using extreme force, with Arda Guler taking possession before sliding a lovely ball through to Mbappe. The former PSG star did the rest, turning sharply before firing a low drive beyond the dive of home goalkeeper Aaron Escandell.
Mbappe, who had looked bright, also scored the only goal as Madrid opened their season with a 1-0 win over Osasuna on Tuesday night.
Madrid dominate first 45 minutes
Although Madrid can count themselves a touch fortunate with the goal, there was no doubt their first-half display deserved some reward.
After surviving a scare inside the opening minute – Thibaut Courtois almost fluffing his lines in trying to keep out Ilyas Chaira – Alonso’s men were well on top.
Mastantuono had a good shout for a penalty turned away in the 15th minute after a tussle with Dani Calvo while, seven minutes later, Federico Valverde saw a shot comfortably saved by Escandell.
Dendoncker threatened at the other end before Madrid came again, some last-ditch defending preventing Rodrygo from hitting the target.
Madrid came within inches of the lead after 36 minutes. More good work from Rodrygo saw Escandell push his cross into the area where more heroic blocking from Oviedo prevented Guler from slotting home.
The hosts could not hold out until half-time, though, as Mbappe wriggled clear to put the away side in front.
Oviedo appeals waved away
The home fans, still fuming at referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, were incensed once again 10 minutes into the second half when veteran striker Salomon Rondon went down under a challenge from Dean Huijsen inside the area but the official waved away the players’ appeals.
Mbappe came close again before Mastantuono and Rodrygo made way for Brahim Diaz and Vinicius Jr.
It almost reaped instant rewards with Escandell producing a stunning stop to keep out a Valverde effort.
The key moment came with eight minutes to go. Oviedo had started to take risks in search of the equaliser and their adventure nearly paid off as Kwasi Sibo’s curling effort crashed against the post with Courtois beaten.
Mbappe settles it in favour of Madrid
A minute later, the game was effectively ended as a contest as Vinicius Jr played in Mbappe and he converted with a trademark finish beyond the goalkeeper and into the bottom right-hand corner.
A brilliant save from Escandell denied Mbappe a hat-trick but there was little the keeper could do to prevent Vinicius Jr from making it 3-0 in injury time, the South American superstar taking Diaz’s pass before side-footing coolly into the net.
