Real Madrid’s lineup picture ahead of the Oviedo clash is almost complete, with one key decision still to be made. Franco Mastantuono, the 18-year-old Argentine winger who recently joined from River Plate, could be handed a starting berth tonight at the Carlos Tartiere, replacing Brahim in the side after his less convincing display against Osasuna.
In his first minutes with the first team, Mastantuono has made an impression in a short time. After joining on August 15, just after turning 18, he featured for about half an hour against Osasuna. He touched the ball 28 times, completed 17 of his 19 passes, and delivered a superb corner that nearly produced a goal for Aurelien Tchouameni before a save from Sergio Herrera stopped him. Those flash moments have put Mastantuono in serious contention to start against Oviedo, despite having trained with the group only a few times.
Xabi Alonso has been careful not to reveal his plans, but he acknowledged Mastantuono’s rapid integration and the positive impression he has made. “I’ve seen him well; he’s integrating well with the teammates and seems to have more experience than his time with us would suggest. He is in the squad, and he has options to play,” the Real Madrid coach stated. It remains to be seen if Mastantuono will be handed his first league start, but his early showings have placed him high in the running.
A major factor shaping Madrid’s lineup is the absence of Jude Bellingham, who remains sidelined after shoulder surgery and is not due back until October. With the Englishman out, Alonso is evaluating alternatives to fill the creative role that Bellingham has occupied. The 18-year-old Argentine could serve as a versatile option in the squad, capable of operating both in the back line and as an attacking midfielder, much like the role Bellingham has filled in recent seasons.
Alonso cited Mastantuono’s versatility, noting his experience at River Plate where he moved from attacking midfield to the wing, and stressing his mobility and ability to link play with those around him. If Mastantuono starts tonight, he would become a notable example of Real Madrid’s confidence in youth as a short-term solution to cover for Bellingham and to push the squad’s depth in a demanding campaign.
Tonight’s match at the Tartiere represents another opportunity to assess how Madrid might balance experience with emerging talent as they navigate Bellingham’s absence. The club’s thinking appears to be leaning toward preserving and expanding a productive pipeline from their academy, while maintaining competitive momentum on the field.
Summary: Real Madrid are weighing a potential starting debut for Franco Mastantuono against Oviedo, as Bellingham’s injury absence opens a window for youth to contribute. Mastantuono’s early club-integration and the coach’s comments point to a promising opportunity for the 18-year-old to reinforce Madrid’s attacking options while the Englishman recovers. Outlook remains hopeful for Madrid’s depth and growing talent pool this season.