Xabi Alonso's Tactical Gamble Pays Off: How Real Madrid's Squad Rotation Delivered a Commanding 3-0 Victory Against Real Oviedo

Xabi Alonso's Tactical Gamble Pays Off: How Real Madrid's Squad Rotation Delivered a Commanding 3-0 Victory Against Real Oviedo

Real Madrid maintain a perfect record with six points from their opening two La Liga fixtures, securing a comfortable 3–0 victory away to Real Oviedo on Sunday evening.

Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior found the net, with the Brazilian making Los Blancos history despite beginning the match as a substitute. While the opener came before halftime, the remaining two goals weren't netted until the closing stages.

For the second consecutive match, following their narrow victory over Osasuna seven days prior, the performance lacked complete conviction—though they controlled proceedings throughout. However, it's still early in the campaign and this could prove beneficial when all elements finally click into place.

Squad Rotation

Xabi Alonso implemented four alterations from the lineup that faced Osasuna in the season's curtain-raiser, with Vinícius Júnior among those relegated to the substitutes' bench. Éder Militão, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Brahim Díaz completed the quartet of changes.

No clear rationale emerged for Viní Jr.'s demotion to the bench. However, with Madrid competing in the FIFA Club World Cup until July 9 and commencing this campaign just 40 days afterward, early-season rotation appears logical from Alonso as players who lacked adequate rest during the summer period gradually regain peak physical condition.

Chance for Rodrygo

Without Viní Jr. in the starting formation, this presented an ideal chance for Rodrygo to demonstrate his quality and remind observers why he ranks among the world's elite forwards in recent campaigns.

Having frequently found himself marginalized under Alonso, speculation regarding potential moves and his future continues to circulate, and this evening's events won't diminish such talk.

Rodrygo delivered a solid display without being spectacular. He completed 47 of his 49 pass attempts and registered four efforts on goal, with two requiring intervention from Aarón Escandell between the Oviedo posts.

His frustration will stem from the limited impact of his showing, as Alonso opted to withdraw him after just 63 minutes, introducing Viní Jr. in his place. The substitute capitalized on a weary opposition and increased space, contributing a goal and assist during his 27 minutes plus additional time.

Franco Mastantuono's Maiden Start

Eighteen-year-old summer acquisition Franco Mastantuono earned his first La Liga starting berth.

While the young Argentine is technically listed with Real Madrid Castilla, his substitute appearance against Osasuna followed by this starting role suggests he won't feature for the reserve team throughout this campaign.

Alonso holds ambitious expectations for Mastantuono, and the youngster justified that confidence through tireless defensive work, a vital characteristic within this tactical framework.

Though he didn't produce significant attacking statistics, he still maintained 93% passing accuracy and registered six touches inside Oviedo's penalty area. Most importantly, he appeared unfazed by the magnitude of the occasion and will continue developing.