Franco Mastantuono’s 22 minutes on the pitch against Osasuna were enough to show Real Madrid that the Argentine midfielder has the talent to fight for a place in Xabi Alonso’s starting XI. Five matches after his La Liga debut, Mastantuono found himself in the conversation again as Real Madrid prepared for the trip to Oviedo.
As the squad arrived in Oviedo, Mastantuono was warmly welcomed by a crowd of fans waiting behind barriers. The midfielder didn’t hesitate to engage with supporters, signing autographs and posing for photos whenever the opportunity arose. The team’s welcoming reception continued when they landed at the Eurostars Palacio de Cristal hotel, where hundreds of fans had gathered to cheer the players before the match.
Will Mastantuono be in the starting lineup against Oviedo? The question has sparked debate among Spanish outlets. While his first appearance clearly impressed the coach and created a sense that he could start, reports suggest Mastantuono is more likely to come off the bench for the visit to Oviedo. That said, Alonso did not close the door on a possible start when he met the media in the lead-up to the game.
“El otro día lo vi bien. Entró con buen impacto y energía. Mañana entra en la convocatoria y tiene opciones como todos de poder jugar,” the coach said, emphasizing that Mastantuono is very much in the mix and has a chance to feature, just like any other member of the squad.
Alonso also highlighted Mastantuono’s versatility, a trait that has quickened the anticipation around his Real Madrid transition. The coach stressed that the 23-year-old can operate in multiple roles: he can slot into the back line or play as an attacking midfielder. In River Plate, Mastantuono spent a significant period as a number 10 before gradually taking on more varied duties on the flanks, a background the Madrid coach believes equips him with the mobility, link-up ability, and team-oriented mindset that Madrid values highly.
In terms of the matchup itself, Real Madrid travels to Oviedo on Sunday, August 24, for a 16:30 local time kickoff (Argentina time). Madrid will be aiming to extend its unbeaten run in La Liga against a newly promoted Oviedo that started the season with a defeat and currently sits at the bottom of the table.
Outlook and impact
– Mastantuono’s blend of playmaking ability and positional flexibility could make him an important rotation option as the season wears on, offering Alonso fresh approaches without sacrificing cohesion.
– The early fan-friendly reception suggests a positive cultural fit in the squad, with young players like Mastantuono drawing support and momentum from the intimacy between players and supporters.
– For a Real Madrid side that values speed, technical linking play, and adaptability, Mastantuono’s profile aligns with a broader strategy of nurturing homegrown or academy-proven talents who can contribute in multiple roles.
If Mastantuono can carry the momentum from his Osasuna cameo into consistent performances against Oviedo and beyond, he could establish himself as a genuine option for the squad’s midfield and attacking lines—an encouraging sign for Madrid’s depth as the season unfolds.