Guler, Brahim start in a 4-3-3: How Real Madrid can line up against Oviedo | OneFootball

Real Madrid are preparing for a special night as they come up against Real Oviedo in La Liga for the first time in 24 years.

Oviedo’s promotion back to the top flight has brought excitement not only to their fans but also across Spanish football, as the club returns to the stage it last graced in the 2000-01 season.

Los Blancos started their 2025/26 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Osasuna, showing resilience but also leaving room for improvement.

Real Oviedo, on the other hand, were handed a difficult welcome back, suffering a 0-2 defeat at the hands of Villarreal.

For Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso, this fixture carries extra importance. Barcelona look powerful in the opening weeks of the campaign, and any slip from Madrid could prove costly in the long race for the title.

On that note, let’s take a look at how Real Madrid could lineup against Oviedo.

Defence

Huijsen will start alongside Militao. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

In goal, Thibaut Courtois remains an unmovable figure. His presence offers confidence and security, and there is absolutely no reason for Alonso to make any changes in this area.

The Spaniard continues to favour a 4-3-3 system, one that allows his full-backs to push forward while the midfield blends power and creativity.

The encouraging news for Madrid is the return of Antonio Rudiger, though he may not start just yet as he builds his rhythm.

This means that the central defensive pairing is likely to remain Eder Militao and young talent Dean Huijsen.

On the flanks, new signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alvaro Carreras are expected to keep their positions.

Both have already added freshness and energy to Madrid’s backline, giving Alonso more flexibility in transitions.

Midfield

Valverde is a certain presence in Real Madrid’s starting XI. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The injury concerns in midfield mean Alonso has little room for rotation. Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga are still unavailable, so the trio remains unchanged.

Aurelien Tchouameni will sit at the base, dictating the tempo and breaking up play. The Frenchman will be flanked by Federico Valverde, whose work rate and energy are unmatched.

Meanwhile, Arda Guler, who continues to provide a creative spark, will once again get the nod.

This means Dani Ceballos will again have to wait for his chance, with Alonso sticking to what worked on the opening day.

Attack

Brahim Diaz is likely to be preferred ahead of Mastantuono. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

In the attack, Alonso has a clear structure in mind. The only question mark is whether he will offer young star Franco Mastantuono a starting opportunity over Brahim Diaz.

For now, Brahim’s performances have earned him another start, but Mastantuono’s rise makes him a name to watch as the season progresses.

What remains certain is that Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. will spearhead Madrid’s forward line.

Both bring pace, flair, and a constant goal threat. Against Oviedo, their ability to break down a compact defence could be the deciding factor.

Real Madrid enter this clash as clear favourites, but matches like these often carry surprises.

For Oviedo, it is a chance to show they belong back in La Liga. For Alonso’s Madrid, it is about building momentum and ensuring they do not slip early in the competition.