Xabi Alonso has declared that “anyone can be a starter” as Real Madrid look to secure back-to-back LaLiga wins when they face Real Oviedo on Sunday.
Madrid kicked off the season with a 1-0 win over Osasuna, while Oviedo began their return to the top flight with a 2-0 defeat away to Villarreal.
Los Blancos’ winning start under new coach Alonso meant that Madrid extended their unbeaten opening-day record to 17 consecutive games (winning 11, drawing five), last losing to Deportivo La Coruna in August 2008.
Following his debut campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu, in which he netted 32 goals in 35 league appearances to finish top of LaLiga’s scoring charts, Kylian Mbappe was on the scoresheet again in Madrid’s opener.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s game, Alonso highlighted the importance of Madrid’s strength in depth.
“I’m sure that for Oviedo and its people it’s a special match,” said Alonso.
“Now we go and for us it is also very important to continue growing away from home, to be competitive, no matter where we play, to continue giving a good level. It’s the third week since we started, but we’re looking forward to tomorrow’s game.”
“We have only played one match, and statistics should be taken with a grain of salt. All players are important, and I count on them, and since I make the call-up, anyone can be a starter.”
Oviedo play their first LaLiga fixture at home for the first time since the 2000-01 season, having fought their way up through last season’s Segunda Division play-offs.
Historically, Oviedo have struggled against Madrid, winning only 14 of 85 previous meetings and losing 55.
The most recent matchup between these teams came in the Copa del Rey in November 2002, when Madrid won 4-0.
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