The recent clash between Real Oviedo and Real Madrid on Matchday 2 of the 2025-2026 LaLiga season left an indelible mark on the Asturian city, not only because of the return of Primera División football to the Carlos Tartiere stadium after 24 years, but also because of the words of Oviedo coach Veljko Paunović. After the 3-0 defeat to Real Oviedo, Paunović surprised everyone by singling out a Real Madrid player who, according to him, made the difference in the match: “Since I arrived at Real Oviedo, I have never faced a player as talented as him. He caused us a lot of problems; even when we played our best, he didn’t give us any chance of winning.” The most surprising thing was that this praise wasn’t directed at Kylian Mbappé, who scored a brace, or at Vinicius Junior, known for his dribbling, but at another member of the Real Madrid squad.
The match was a colossal challenge for Real Oviedo, a newly promoted team looking to make history on their return to the elite. Paunović, a manager with experience at clubs such as Chivas, Tigres, and Reading, had prepared a solid tactical plan, starting with a five-man defense to contain Real Madrid’s offensive prowess. However, the strategy wasn’t enough to stop Xabi Alonso’s team. Oviedo showed moments of resilience, but specific errors, as Paunović himself acknowledged after the match, were severely punished. “The Primera División has taught us a lesson. Here, you are penalized for innocent mistakes,” he stated in the post-match press conference, emphasizing the need to improve precision to compete at this level.
The spotlight, however, fell on the mysterious Real Madrid player Paunović paid tribute to. Although the Serbian coach didn’t mention a specific name, rumors point to Rodrygo Goes, whose ability to create unbalance through tactical silence and his intelligence on the pitch could have been the key to dismantling Oviedo’s defense. Rodrygo, often overshadowed by Mbappé and Vinicius, has proven to be a lethal weapon with his vision and precise movements. According to sources close to the club, Paunović was impressed by the way the player controlled the tempo of the match, creating space and complicating the high pressing that Oviedo attempted to implement in the second half.
The match was also marked by tense moments, such as the expulsion of an Oviedo player in the first half, which further limited the home team’s options. Despite the tactical changes made by Paunović at halftime, switching to a more attacking formation in an attempt to surprise Real Madrid, the Whites took advantage of the space and sealed the match with authority. “We wanted to take Madrid to Oviedo’s half, having more of the ball and attacking down the wings, but we made mistakes that you can’t afford in this division,” lamented the coach.
The defeat, though painful, does not dampen Oviedo’s enthusiasm for their return to the First Division. Paunović, who took over in March 2025 and achieved promotion after an epic campaign, insists the team must learn from these experiences. “We competed courageously, but we need to be more precise. This match teaches us that in the First Division there is no room for error,” he noted. His admiration for Real Madrid’s talent, and in particular for the player who stood out, reflects his ability to humbly analyze the challenges his team faces.
For Real Oviedo, the journey in LaLiga is just beginning. With a demanding schedule ahead, Paunović is already preparing for the next match against Real Sociedad, where he hopes to recover key players like Santiago Colombatto. Meanwhile, the Serbian coach’s words have generated a stir on social media, with fans speculating about the identity of the highly praised player and debating whether Oviedo can adapt to the pace of the top flight. What is clear is that Paunović, with his passion and experience, is determined to have his team compete on equal terms with the giants of Spanish football.
