Defeating Real Oviedo, Real Madrid's Mirage of Glory

ASTURIAS, MONDAY – Following a less than satisfactory victory against Osasuna, Real Madrid improved their performance by defeating Real Oviedo, 3-0, in a La Liga match at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium, Asturias, Spain, on Monday (25/8/2025) early morning WIB. However, this resounding victory felt more like a mirage of glory for Real, who carry high expectations this season under new coach, Xabi Alonso.

Real should have been able to score more than three goals if they had performed more effectively. Facing Oviedo, a promoted team, Real dominated throughout the match. The disparity in player quality between the two teams was clearly evident.

Real excelled in ball possession, achieving 65 percent compared to Oviedo's 35 percent. In terms of shots, Real also led significantly with 10 shots on target, while Oviedo could only manage three shots.

Los Blancos managed 10 shots on target, but only three of them were converted into goals. This corresponds to Real's expected goals (xG) ratio of 2.67.

In this match, Alonso made two changes by substituting Trent Alexander-Arnold and Vinicius Junior. Dani Carvajal took over Trent's position as right-back, while Rodrygo was entrusted to operate on the left side, which is usually occupied by Vinicius.

Although he only played for 30 minutes as a substitute, Vinicius demonstrated his class by scoring a goal at the end of the match and providing an assist to Kylian Mbappe in the 83rd minute. Creating numerous opportunities, Real was only able to score in the 37th minute through Mbappe after receiving a pass from Arda Guler.

It took a considerable amount of time to score a goal amidst a rain of opportunities, indicating Real's performance has not been optimal under Alonso in the first two matches of this season. Furthermore, their weaknesses were also reflected in the way Oviedo created dangerous chances just seconds into the match.

It was difficult at times because Oviedo played tight, but the rhythm of the game was very good.

Luka Ilic saw a large gap created between the four Real defenders and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The Serbian midfielder immediately delivered an accurate pass directed towards two Oviedo forwards. Fortunately, Courtois swiftly intercepted the ball before it could be controlled for a longer period by the opponent.

In the second half, Real's defensive lapses nearly allowed Oviedo to score. Kwasi Sibo was able to maneuver freely without tight marking near Real's penalty area. However, Sibo's shot failed to result in a goal as it only struck the goalpost.

"We should have finished the game earlier. At 0-1, they even hit the post. We defended very well and pressed well. That way, we should have won by a bigger margin. In attack, we had 10 shots on target," Courtois said after the match, as quoted by Football Espana.

In the eyes of many, the two victories at the beginning of the season against Osasuna and Oviedo can very well be interpreted as a normal, even ideal situation for Real. However, in the context of last season's failures, what Real has achieved at the start of this season cannot yet be considered as optimal results.

This condition is nothing more than a semblance of glory for Real. In facing Osasuna, Real could only secure a narrow victory of 1-0 through a penalty executed by Mbappe. Meanwhile, against Oviedo, a promoted team, Real struggled to score quickly despite having numerous opportunities.

Courtois acknowledged that his team was lacking in sharpness, but there was an element of brilliance from Oviedo's goalkeeper, Aaron Escandell, who made eight crucial saves in this match, preventing Real from winning by a larger margin.

"I really enjoy playing here. They started well, but we quickly bounced back. Their goalkeeper played well to maintain the score at 0-1 for a long time," said Courtois.

On the other hand, Alonso assessed that Oviedo's tight defense, which accumulated many players in front of the penalty box, hindered Real's efforts to score multiple goals.

"Sometimes it is difficult because Oviedo plays tightly, but their rhythm of play is very good. In the second half, perhaps our game declined a bit. Oviedo pressed forward, and it was difficult for us to maintain the tempo," said Alonso.

Alonso realizes he must act quickly to address his team's weaknesses while the league has just started its second week. He still has plenty of time to improvise and patch up Real's deficiencies. Moreover, Alonso bears high expectations after Real failed to win any trophies last season.

Real Madrid management has provided Alonso with a budget of 180 million euros (approximately 3.4 trillion IDR) this summer. With such funds, Real has secured several star players, including Franco Mastantuono, Alvaro Carreras, Trent, and Dean Huijsen. Both the management and supporters of Real hope that Alonso can deliver a trophy in his debut season as a coach.

Thus, the victory that carries a semblance of glory when facing Oviedo is not yet strong enough to convince the management and supporters of Real. Alonso still has to work hard to prove his ideas in the coming months.