‎Trent Alexander-Arnold Benched as Xabi Alonso Names Surprise Real Madrid XI vs Real Oviedo

‎Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso delivered a major selection surprise by leaving new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold out of the starting lineup for the La Liga clash against Real Oviedo. Veteran defender Dani Carvajal reclaimed his place at right-back, while another recent arrival, Franco Mastantuono, earned his first start.

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‎Xabi Alonso leaves Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench as Dani Carvajal returns, with Rodrygo and Mastantuono starting for Real Madrid vs Oviedo.

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‎Alexander-Arnold, who made his La Liga debut in Real Madrid’s opening victory over Osasuna, was named among the substitutes for the second match of the season. Alonso opted for Carvajal’s experience in Oviedo, a decision that highlighted the depth of options in Madrid’s defensive unit.

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‎Rodrygo returned to the starting XI after missing out entirely against Osasuna, a move that had sparked speculation regarding his future at Santiago Bernabeu. Reports have linked the Brazilian forward with potential interest from Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal, but Alonso reinstated him in attack against Oviedo.

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‎The reshuffle also saw Vinicius Junior and Brahim Diaz drop to the bench, joining Alexander-Arnold among the substitutes. Instead, 18-year-old Argentine forward Mastantuono was handed his full debut for Los Blancos, lining up alongside Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappe in a new-look attack.

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‎Following the meeting with Real Oviedo, Madrid’s focus will shift to a home clash with Mallorca on August 30, their final fixture before the international break. The team will then travel to Real Sociedad on September 14, resuming their La Liga campaign after the pause.