Real Madrid Secures Victory Over Relegated Oviedo Amidst Fan Discontent

Key facts

• Real Madrid defeated Real Oviedo 2-0 on Thursday night.
• Gonzalo García scored the opening goal in the 43rd minute.
• Jude Bellingham added Real Madrid's second goal.
• Real Madrid hosted Real Oviedo at the Santiago Bernabéu for a La Liga Matchday 36 clash.
• Real Oviedo were already relegated and at the bottom of the league table.
• Kylian Mbappé leads La Liga's top scorer race with 24 goals.
• Dani Carvajal was available to play after recovering from a toe injury.
• Federico Valverde was rested and left out of the matchday squad.

Madrid Claims Win Amidst Fan Frustration

Real Madrid secured a 2-0 victory over already-relegated Real Oviedo at the Santiago Bernabéu on Thursday night, in what was the penultimate home game of their 2025-26 La Liga season. Despite the win, the home crowd expressed their discontent, whistling the team in their final home fixture of the campaign. The goals came from Gonzalo García and Jude Bellingham, but the performance did little to quell the underlying frustration surrounding the club's trophyless season. The match, a La Liga Matchday 36 clash, pitted Real Madrid, second in the table, against Real Oviedo, who occupied the bottom spot and had already been confirmed for relegation. While the league title had been decided in favour of FC Barcelona, the encounter still held significance for both sides as they navigated the final weeks of the season. Despite the limited stakes for the league standings, the atmosphere at the Bernabéu remained charged. The build-up to the game was dominated by discussions of squad rotation, the return of key players, and Real Madrid's response to missing out on the league championship. The club has faced significant off-field turmoil and behind-the-scenes chaos in recent weeks, making this fixture an opportunity for some much-needed respite.

A Tale of Two Halves and Key Scorers

Real Madrid established a 1-0 lead by halftime, following a controlled first-half performance. The breakthrough came in the 43rd minute when Gonzalo García found the net from close range, assisted by a precise pass from Brahim Díaz. Despite rotating their lineup and contending with several key absences, Madrid dictated possession and tempo from the outset. The second half saw Jude Bellingham extend Real Madrid's advantage. The English midfielder scored his goal from the centre of the box, directing the ball into the bottom left corner. These goals proved to be decisive, ensuring Real Madrid took all three points against the visitors from Asturias. Several attacking players were involved in attempts throughout the match. Kylian Mbappé had multiple shots, some blocked and others going wide, while Vinícius Júnior also featured prominently. For Real Oviedo, Haissem Hassan tested Thibaut Courtois with a shot saved in the top left corner, and had another effort from outside the box go wide.

Squad Issues and Managerial Concerns

Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa faced a significant number of selection concerns as the season drew to a close. A major talking point involved Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde, following reports of a heated training-ground altercation after the defeat to FC Barcelona. While Tchouaméni remained available and was expected to feature, Valverde was rested and excluded from the matchday squad. There was positive news regarding Kylian Mbappé, who returned to the squad after missing recent training sessions and was expected to partner Vinícius Júnior in the attack. Mbappé currently leads La Liga's top scorer race with 24 goals. However, the defence remained depleted, with Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, and Éder Militão all unavailable due to long-term injuries. For Real Oviedo, interim coach Guillermo Almada had to contend with multiple suspensions following the club's confirmed relegation. Midfielder Kwasi Sibo and defender Javi López were both suspended after receiving red cards. In attack, Borja Bastón was sidelined with a muscular injury, placing additional pressure on Federico Viñas to deliver goals for the visitors.

Historical Context and Form Guide

The head-to-head record between Real Madrid and Real Oviedo shows a significant disparity. In 84 previous meetings, Oviedo have managed only 14 wins compared to Madrid's 54. The visitors have a particularly poor record at the Bernabéu, having secured victory there on only three occasions. Real Oviedo arrived at the Bernabéu in dire form, having not secured a victory in their last four matches. Their away record in Spain's top division is also concerning, with the team having conceded more goals on the road (37) than any other side. They had managed to win only twice away from home all season, making a win against Madrid an unlikely prospect. The reverse fixture earlier in the season saw Real Madrid secure a comfortable 3-0 win, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice and Vinícius Júnior adding the third. This history further underscored the challenge facing the already-relegated Asturians.

Mbappé's Pursuit of the Golden Boot

Kylian Mbappé's presence in the Real Madrid lineup continued to be a focal point, particularly in his pursuit of the La Liga top scorer award. Heading into the match, the French forward led the race with 24 goals, holding a two-goal advantage over his closest competitor, Vedat Muriqi. Mbappé's impact was evident earlier in the season, as he netted twice in the reverse fixture against Real Oviedo, contributing significantly to Madrid's 3-0 victory. His return to the squad for this game was a welcome boost for Arbeloa, offering a potent attacking threat as Madrid looked to end the season with some pride. The striker was actively involved in the game, taking several shots from various positions within the box and from outside. While not all found the target or were blocked, his offensive presence was a constant factor for the Oviedo defence.

Looking Ahead: A Season of Transition

With the league title out of reach and the team facing internal turmoil, Real Madrid's remaining fixtures represent an effort to salvage pride and provide a platform for the future. The club's performance in the final games will be scrutinised, especially in light of the off-field distractions that have dominated headlines. For Real Oviedo, the focus shifts to concluding their La Liga campaign with as much dignity as possible, despite their inevitable relegation. The match against a troubled Real Madrid side offered a slim chance to cause an upset and potentially avoid finishing at the very bottom of the table. The club's attention will soon turn to the imminent World Cup, which will impact squad availability and preparation for the next season. Manager Arbeloa's task will be to navigate these challenges, rebuild team cohesion, and prepare for a fresh start.

The bottom line

• Real Madrid defeated Real Oviedo 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu.
• Gonzalo García scored the opening goal for Real Madrid in the 43rd minute.
• Jude Bellingham secured the victory with Real Madrid's second goal.
• Real Oviedo were already relegated and at the bottom of the La Liga table.
• The match saw fan discontent despite Real Madrid's win.
• Kylian Mbappé continues to lead the La Liga top scorer race with 24 goals.