Mbappé and Vinícius Punish La Liga Newcomers – Real Keep Pace with Barça

Oviedo nearly had their moment of glory — but the post denied them.

The La Liga season has only just begun, but Real Madrid know they cannot allow Barcelona to pull away early. With the Catalans winning both of their opening matches, Los Blancos needed three points against Oviedo — a club returning to the top flight after 24 years.

Early Surprises

Real’s lineup raised eyebrows, as Vinícius started on the bench. Mastantuono played on the right wing, with Rodrygo on the left despite his uncertain role. Oviedo, meanwhile, shocked the visitors with a rehearsed kickoff move: Shaïr nearly broke through one-on-one, but Courtois rushed out and cleared just in time.

Soon after, Real had penalty appeals. The foul on Rüdiger looked soft, but the challenge on Mastantuono was more convincing. Still, no spot-kick was given — cue the usual debates on “penalty a favor del Real Madrid.” Even without a penalty, Madrid created chance after chance. By the 37th minute, shots were 15–1 in their favor, most from inside the box. And then came the breakthrough.

Mbappé Strikes Again

Arda Güler slipped a perfect through ball, and Mbappé turned sharply before finishing clinically with his second touch. Oviedo players protested, claiming Tchouaméni had fouled in the build-up, but replays showed a clean challenge. The goal stood — Mbappé’s seventh straight La Liga game with a goal contribution.

Oviedo Fight but Madrid Survive

In the second half, Madrid pushed for a second but couldn’t convert. Valverde came closest, his counterattack strike flying just inches wide. Ironically, Oviedo twice tested their own goalkeeper with misguided clearances, but both times he saved.

In the 82nd minute, Oviedo nearly shocked the Bernabéu giants. Sibo’s strike from the edge of the box rattled the post with Courtois beaten. Moments later, Real finally killed the game. Fired up after being booked for simulation and arguing with the referee, Vinícius bulldozed his way into the box, then laid it off perfectly for Mbappé to score his second.

Even while celebrating, Vinícius continued his protests, forcing Mbappé to cover his mouth in amusement. In the closing minutes, Vinícius himself scored Madrid’s third, sealing the win. After the final whistle, he was still debating with the referee.

A Special Oviedo Moment

The night wasn’t all disappointment for the home crowd. In stoppage time, 40-year-old Santi Cazorla — an Oviedo academy product ending his career at the club — came on to play in front of his fans one last time.

Real’s 3–0 victory keeps them level with Barcelona, ensuring the title race remains fierce from the very start.

Published by Patrick Jane
25.08.2025