Preview for Real Oviedo v Real Madrid
Real Madrid will hope another few days of training will enhance their chances of recording back to back wins to open the new La Liga season.
Despite Madrid’s objections, they were made to play their opening game on Tuesday night but came though unscathed, beating Osasuna 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Kylian Mbappe scored the only goal from the penalty spot but it was a disjointed display from Xabi Alonso’s men which could perhaps be attributed to a lack of training following their exertions in the Club World Cup over the summer.
The fixture list has been relatively kind as they work their way up to speed and they will fancy their chances against an Oviedo side that secured their place in the top flight after coming through the Segunda Division play-offs.
Hosting the likes of Madrid is their reward and they, and their boisterous supporters, will enjoy the occasion after a 25-year absence from La Liga.
That is not to say they will simply make up the numbers, as new signing Leander Dendoncker explained.
The former Wolves defender told AS: “It will be complicated, but we play at home. You have to fight. We have to be well organised but we will have moments to attack. We have to believe that we can play a good game.”
He added: “Physicality is one of my strengths, it will be my first game of the year, I will do everything to be ready to help.”
Oviedo lost 2-0 at Villarreal last weekend.
Team News for Real Oviedo v Real Madrid
Alvaro Lemos will be missing for the home side with Santiago Colombatto, Jaime Seoane and Lucas Ahijado also doubtful.
David Costas is available after suspension but Alberto Reina misses out after being dismissed against Villarreal. Veteran midfielder Santo Cazorla is likely to start on the bench.
Jude Bellingham, Ferland Mendy, Endrick and Eduardo Camavinga are unavailable for Madrid but Antonio Rudiger is back.
Alonso may opt to keep the German on the bench though and persist with the new pairing of Eder Militao and Dean Huijsen.
Predicted line-ups for Real Oviedo v Real Madrid
Real Oviedo: Escandell; Costas, Dendoncker, Calvo; Vidal, Ilic, Sibo, Alhassane; Chaira, Rondon, Hassan
Real Madrid: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni, Guler; Brahim, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr
How to watch Real Oviedo v Real Madrid
Real Oviedo versus Real Madrid kicks of at 8.30pm UK time on Sunday evening.
You can watch it on Premier Sports 1 which can be obtained through Sky, Virgin Media, or online via Premier Sports.
Premier Sports 1 is available on Sky Channel 412 and Virgin Channel 551.
It can be streamed via the Premier Sports website and the STV Player.
Stats for Real Oviedo v Real Madrid
- In 30 of the last 31 Real Oviedo matches the total number of goals was under 3.5
- Oviedo have lost 55 of their previous 85 meetings with Real Madrid
- In 17 of the last 19 Real Madrid away matches in the LaLiga, the sum of goals was under 3.5
- Real Madrid have won 6 of the last 8 matches in the LaLiga while scoring less than 2.5 goals
- Real Madrid have won 4 of the last 5 away matches in the LaLiga while scoring less than 2.5 goals
- In the last 3 Real Madrid matches the sum of goals was over 3.5
- Real Madrid have won the last 3 matches in a row in the LaLiga while scoring more than 1.5 goals
Prediction for Real Oviedo v Real Madrid
It’s a huge occasion for Oviedo and the atmosphere will be electric.
However, Madrid ought to show their quality and we think they will get the job done.
Prediction: Oviedo 0-2 Real Madrid
