Alonso impressed by Madrid's strength in depth
Real Madrid will be looking to record consecutive LaLiga wins when it travels to newly promoted Real Oviedo, and coach Xabi Alonso has faith in his squad.
Madrid kicked off the season with a 1-0 win over Osasuna, while Oviedo began its 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 its unbeaten opening-day record to 17 consecutive games – winning 11, drawing five, and last losing to Deportivo La Coruna in August 2008.
After his debut campaign at 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 Monday's (AEST) 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," he said.
"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 plays its first LaLiga fixture at home for the first time since the 2000-2001 season, having fought its way up through last season's Segunda Division play-offs.
Historically, Oviedo has struggled against Madrid, winning only 14 of 85 previous meetings and losing 55.
The most recent match-up between these teams came in the Copa del Rey in November 2002, when Madrid won 4-0.
