Three things we learnt from Real Madrid vs Oviedo.

Real Madrid get their first away win in La Liga and these are three things we learnt:

1. There are no guaranteed starters.

Xabi Alonso made the bold call to bench Vinícius Jr after a rough run of form. A lot has been said about Vini’s game dropping off over the past year, but Xabi still trusted him to start the season alongside Kylian Mbappé. That partnership is still a work in progress — and the same issues from last season remain.

Against Oviedo, though, Vini responded. In just 30 minutes, he assisted Mbappé’s second goal and then finished the game off with one of his own. Exactly the response needed.

As I’ve said before, Xabi doesn’t care about reputation or “credit in the bank.” If you don’t perform, someone else will take your spot. Simple as that.

2. Tchouaméni is back.

From being booed at the Bernabéu to becoming Xabi’s most important piece, Aurélien Tchouaméni’s turnaround has been huge. I said at the end of the Carlo era: give him one season under a proper coach and then judge him. Under Carlo, players were shoehorned into roles that didn’t suit them. Under Alonso, there’s structure — and Tchouaméni is thriving.

Against Oviedo, he won 6/7 ground duels, made 5 interceptions, completed 95% of his passes, and won the key tackle that led to Mbappé’s goal. We’re finally seeing the best of him.

3. Trent vs Carvajal.

If Trent Alexander-Arnold thought he’d walk straight into the XI, Dani Carvajal had other ideas. Fresh off a year-long ACL injury, Carvajal needs patience — but his performance vs Oviedo showed he’s not ready to give up his spot.

Trent is still adjusting to his new role at Madrid. The creativity and passing are there, but we’ve yet to see him stamp his authority on a game. Subbed on in the 88th minute, he didn’t have the chance to change much. It’s early days, but Carvajal has made it clear: he’s not stepping aside without a fight.

Hala Madrid. Always.

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