Xabi Alonso has started his tenure as Real Madrid manager on a high note, securing a convincing 3-0 victory over Real Oviedo. The match highlighted Alonso`s readiness to experiment with his squad, even leaving star player Vinicius Jr. on the bench in favor of Rodrygo to begin the game.
Kylian Mbappe was the standout performer, netting two goals. His first, a beautifully executed center-forward`s finish after a skillful turn, demonstrated his versatility and potential to score even more frequently if he finds his optimal role in the attack.
Despite starting on the bench, Vinicius Jr. made a strong impact after coming on as a substitute. He promptly delivered an assist for Mbappe`s second goal before scoring one himself, providing an emphatic response to Alonso`s initial lineup decision and reaffirming his status as a key player.
Alonso`s tactical adjustments extended beyond just Vinicius Jr. Rodrygo`s inclusion, Dani Carvajal`s first start in a considerable period, and Franco Mastantuono`s full debut underscored the new manager`s intent to rotate and find the ideal balance for his team. This proactive approach signals a clear message: Alonso is in charge and unafraid to make bold decisions to achieve desired results.
With the Champions League group stage approaching in September, Alonso will need his entire squad at peak performance. This new era emphasizes consistency and adaptability from every player, as Real Madrid aims to challenge for top honors and intensely compete with Barcelona in La Liga.
