Key Takeaways:
- Real Madrid secured a 2-0 victory over relegated Real Oviedo at the Santiago Bernabéu last night
- Kylian Mbappe returned from injury as a substitute and was met with boos from the home crowd
- Jude Bellingham sealed Madrid’s win with his seventh goal of the season 11 minutes from time
Match Summary
Real Madrid returned to winning form in La Liga with a 2-0 triumph against already-relegated Real Oviedo, marking their fourth clean sheet in the last five head-to-head encounters (D1) against Los Azules. With second and twentieth spot already mathematically assured for Madrid and Oviedo respectively, the fixture was driven solely by pride for both sides.
Speculation surrounded the Madrid camp, as some players appeared inclined to impress amid reports that Jose Mourinho may soon be re-appointed as manager. The hosts started energetically, with Gonzalo Garcia darting to the byline to tee up Franco Mastantuono, whose effort from close quarters was expertly blocked by Oviedo goalkeeper Aarón Escandell.
🏁 FT: @RealMadridEN 2-0 @RealOviedoPOY
⚽ 44' @gonzalo7garcia_
⚽ 80' @BellinghamJude
👉 @emirates pic.twitter.com/aU9XIbObKd— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 14, 2026
First-Half Analysis
The opening period unfolded with little urgency, though Trent Alexander-Arnold nearly ignited proceedings midway through the half, unleashing a powerful strike from 25 yards just wide of the target. Brahim Diaz subsequently fired over, before Vinicius Junior miscued his connection with Alexander-Arnold’s inviting cross, as Madrid’s advances became increasingly threatening.
Despite this, Oviedo carved the half’s best opportunity seven minutes prior to the interval. An intricate passage of play finished with Nacho Vidal skying over from six yards when he looked odds-on to score. That miss proved costly for the visitors, as just before the half-time whistle, Diaz capitalised on a turnover deep in Oviedo territory and set up Garcia, who calmly scored his fifth La Liga goal of the campaign.
Second-Half Breakdown
With the Bernabéu having witnessed more second-half goals in each of Madrid’s previous four home league matches, anticipation was high for further drama. Ten minutes after the restart, attention turned away from the scoreline as Oviedo’s seasoned midfielder, Santi Cazorla, a two-time European Championship winner, made his appearance from the bench and was warmly applauded by the crowd.
Oviedo came close to drawing level when Alberto Reina failed to convert a volley at the back post. Escandell continued to stand firm between the sticks, foiling Álvaro Carreras at the opposite end, while Nacho Vidal spurned his second significant chance, narrowly steering his effort wide after breaking the Madrid backline.
Mbappe’s Return and Bellingham’s Decisive Goal
With 21 minutes remaining, Kylian Mbappe featured for the first time since returning from injury, only to be met with persistent whistles from the Madrid faithful accompanying each touch. Although the French star pushed for a goal, it was substitute Jude Bellingham who ultimately settled the contest. Bellingham displayed deft footwork on the edge of the area and rifled in his seventh goal of the season across all competitions with 11 minutes to play.
Thibaut Courtois ensured Madrid’s clean sheet would remain intact, pulling off a spectacular stop to deny Haissem Hassan’s curling attempt. This result saw Madrid rebound from their 2-0 loss to Barcelona on Sunday and extend their unbeaten run at the Bernabéu to five matches (W4, D1).
