Real Madrid Face Giant-Killing Test Against Determined Real Oviedo: Match Preview, Bold Predictions and Expected Lineups

Real Madrid are preparing for their first La Liga encounter with Real Oviedo in 24 years after the latter's ascension to Spain's premier division.

In contrast to the previous campaign, Los Blancos kicked off their league season with a victory. Their 1–0 triumph against Osasuna was controlled but uninspiring, as Xabi Alonso's revamped Real Madrid squad continues to establish their playing style.

Five days on, they travel away from Madrid to face Real Oviedo. Veljko Paunović's side endured a 2–0 loss to Villarreal in their top-flight comeback and now face an even greater challenge against the La Liga vice-champions.

The two teams will clash with three points at stake for the first time since 2001, both determined to make their mark under the floodlights at Estadio Carlos Tartiere.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the La Liga fixture.

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Real Oviedo Team News

The sidelined Álvaro Lemos, Lucas Ahijado and Jaime Vázquez will all be absent for the encounter with Real Madrid. Brandon Domingues is also excluded from Paunović's squad due to sickness.

The home side will also be missing Alberto Reina after the Spanish player received a red card just 27 minutes into his team's La Liga season opener on Friday.

On a positive note, Colombatto has returned to availability after being absent throughout Real Oviedo's preseason preparations and the Villarreal match. While the midfielder is unlikely to start, he could feature for some important minutes as a substitute.

Real Oviedo Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid

Real Oviedo predicted lineup vs. Real Madrid (3-4-3): Escandell; Costas, Dendoncker, Calvo; Vidal, Ilić, Sibo, Alhassane; Chaira, Rondón, Hassan

Real Madrid Team News

Real Madrid remain without the injured Jude Bellingham, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga and Endrick. The English midfielder's absence was notably felt by Los Blancos in their La Liga opener as they found it difficult to generate scoring chances from regular play.

Alonso might consider giving 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono an opportunity to provide Real Madrid with a playmaker or fresh option on the right flank, but the coach will probably continue with Brahim Díaz while Rodrygo's situation stays unclear.

The new manager will also have Antonio Rüdiger at his disposal now that the defender has completed his six-game suspension. Éder Militão continues to be the favorite to partner Dean Huijsen, however.

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Real Oviedo

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Real Oviedo (4-3-3): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Güler; Díaz, Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior

Real Oviedo vs. Real Madrid Score Prediction

Real Madrid not only possess superior quality at every position compared to Real Oviedo, but they will also be motivated to deliver a more impressive display than their La Liga season opener. It's difficult to envision Mbappé or Vinícius Júnior having trouble scoring against the recently promoted team.

Additionally, Alonso's squad appeared defensively solid in their last outing with Militão's return and the acquisitions of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras. Thibaut Courtois should have a quiet afternoon on Sunday if his defense performs at the same level again.

Prediction: Real Oviedo 0–3 Real Madrid