Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso used his pre-match press conference to underline that Saturday’s visit to newly promoted Real Oviedo marks what he considers the true start of the club’s campaign, putting the mid-summer Club World Cup in a different context. Alonso said teenage midfielder Franco Mastantuono "has options" to be in the starting XI at the Carlos Tartiere, while confirming that Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy and striker Endrick remain sidelined. Three Castilla players—Fran González, Mestre and Manuel Ángel—have been drafted into training to cover the absences. The manager added that he has spoken with forward Rodrygo about his role and praised several squad members for impressing him in pre-season, singling out Arda Güler, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mastantuono and Kylian Mbappé. Asked about set-piece duties, Alonso named Güler, Alexander-Arnold, Mastantuono and Mbappé as his preferred free-kick takers. He also sent warm words to former Oviedo and Spain midfielder Santi Cazorla, calling him “spectacular” as both player and team-mate. Alonso acknowledged that Oviedo’s first top-flight home match since promotion gives the fixture special significance for local supporters but stressed that Real Madrid’s focus is on securing three points as they begin what he described as “my real first season” in charge.