Real Madrid Travel to Oviedo (Sunday at 3.30 pm et / 12.30 pm pt) aimed at their second competition wins of the season, but the week has driven for a persistent question: who starts on the right wing in the arrangement of Xabi Alonso?
The coach mainly worked with Brahim Díaz, his balance and experience, but Franco Mastantuono – the new Argentinian jewel of the club – is impressed by sharp performances in training and encouraging minutes in his debut against Osasuna.
There is also the Rodrygo option. As Alonso reporters reminded: “All decisions regarding the game and the starting eleven are alone. I weigh them with my staff and we decide what is best for every game. I speak to many players, and of course I also spoke with Rodrygo,” he said in Friday's press conference.
The formation looks set: Alonso stays with its dynamic 4-3-3, with full-backs that push high and a midfield that combines strength with creativity. A boost comes with the return of Antonio Rüdiger from a suspension of six games, although he is not expected to start. Absent in the traveling team are Endrick, Camavinga, Mendy and Bellingham, all put aside with different injuries.
To complete the list, Alonso turned to the youth ranks again and Sergio Mestre and Thiago Pitark called on. The midfielder could see minutes, depending on the competition situation.
Regarding the likely XI, Madrid is expected to stand in line with Courtois; Trent, Militão, Huijsen and Carreras; Tchouaméni, Güler and Valverde; Vinícius and Mbappé, with Brahim or Mastantuono who complete the front three.
The competition, referred by Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, starts on Sunday at 3.30 pm et (12.30 pm pt) in the Carlos Tartiere Stadium. American viewers can view live on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes.