Xabi Alonso surprisingly omitted new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold from Real Madrid's starting lineup against Real Oviedo in their second La Liga match of the new season as veteran Spanish full-back Dani Carvajal returned to the lineup. Another new signing, Franco Mastantuono was handed his first start, while Rodrygo was slotted into the attack, despite reported transfer interest from Manchester City.
Alexander-Arnold benched against Real OviedoCarvajal starts in the right-back position Rodrygo also features in starting lineupFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
After starting in his La Liga debut against Osasuna last week, former Liverpool star Alexander-Arnold found himself on the bench in Real Madrid's second game of the La Liga season against Real Oviedo on Sunday evening. Alonso decided to hand the right-back slot to seasoned campaigner Carvajal in a surprise call.
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Rodrygo did not feature at all against Osasuna despite being in the matchday squad, which fuelled speculation regarding his future at Santiago Bernabeu. The Brazilian is being tipped to leave the club amid reported interest from Premier League giants Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal. Alonso, however, has put the Selecao star in his starting lineup against Oviedo, with Vinicius Junior and Brahim Diaz also dropping to the bench alongside Alexander-Arnold.
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Argentine prodigy Mastantuono has been handed his maiden Los Blancos start as the 18-year-old featured in the attack, alongside Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MADRID?
Following the clash with Oviedo, Alonso's side will begin planning for a home fixture against Mallorca on August 30, marking their final outing before the international break. Madrid are due to take in a trip to Real Sociedad in their first game back on September 14.
