Oviedo vs Real Madrid

** <h2>Real Oviedo vs Real Madrid: David vs Goliath in Asturias</h2> <p>Real Madrid travel to the picturesque Carlos Tartiere stadium on Sunday evening, where they'll face a Real Oviedo side still smarting from their opening day defeat. With both teams having played just one match this season, early impressions will be crucial in this fixture that represents a mountain to climb for the hosts.</p> <h3>Team News and Tactical Setup</h3> <p>Carlo Ancelotti's Madrid arrive in Oviedo with confidence from their narrow 1-0 victory over Osasuna, where <strong>Kylian Mbappé</strong> marked his La Liga debut with a crucial penalty. The French superstar's integration into the famous white shirt appears seamless, and he'll be the focal point of an attack also featuring <strong>Vinícius Jr.</strong> and <strong>Jude Bellingham</strong>.</p> <p>Real Oviedo manager faces selection headaches with key injuries disrupting his plans. <strong>Aarón Escandell</strong> was heroic in goal against Villarreal despite the 2-0 defeat, making eight saves in a Man of the Match performance that kept the scoreline respectable. The Asturian side's inability to register a single shot on target in their opener, however, raises serious concerns about their attacking threat.</p> <h3>Key Battles to Watch</h3> <p>The central battle will pit Madrid's star-studded attack against Oviedo's disciplined but limited defensive setup. <strong>Escandell's</strong> shot-stopping ability will be tested again, particularly against <strong>Mbappé's</strong> pace and movement. In midfield, <strong>Aurélien Tchouaméni</strong> and <strong>Federico Valverde</strong> should dominate possession against Oviedo's industrious but overmatched midfield trio.</p> <p>Set pieces could prove crucial - Madrid's aerial prowess through <strong>Éder Militão</strong> and <strong>Bellingham</strong> contrasts sharply with Oviedo's need to defend compactly and look for rare counter-attacking opportunities.</p> <h3>Form and Momentum</h3> <p>While one match hardly constitutes form, the contrasting opening performances tell a story. Madrid's controlled 1-0 victory showcased their pragmatic approach under Ancelotti - patient in possession, clinical when chances arise, and defensively solid. Oviedo's passive display against Villarreal, managing zero shots on target, suggests they may prioritize damage limitation over attacking ambition.</p> <h3>The Numbers Game</h3> <p>The bookmakers' assessment reflects the gulf in quality - Madrid's 1.30 odds leave little room for upset speculation. However, the <strong>Under 2.5 Goals market at 2.05</strong> offers intriguing value, given both teams' cautious season openers and Oviedo's likely defensive approach.</p> <p><strong>Madrid Win to Nil at 2.00</strong> represents the evening's standout value bet. Los Blancos kept a clean sheet in their opener while showing typical away-day discipline, and Oviedo's attacking impotence suggests they'll struggle to find the net against <strong>Thibaut Courtois</strong> and Madrid's improved defensive structure.</p> <h3>Prediction</h3> <p>Expect Madrid to control proceedings from the first whistle, with Oviedo sitting deep and compact. <strong>Mbappé's</strong> pace and direct running style should eventually unlock the hosts' defense, likely in the second half as legs tire. A professional 2-0 victory feels most probable, with the visitors managing the game expertly once ahead.</p> <p>For Oviedo, avoiding a heavy defeat and showing more attacking intent than their opening fixture will constitute progress. For Madrid, continuing their perfect start while integrating new signings smoothly remains the priority in what should be a routine victory in the Asturian rain.</p>