Real Madrid vs Real Oviedo – News and Probable Lineups

Real Madrid aims to recover from a challenging week as they take on the already relegated Real Oviedo at the Bernabeu on Thursday night in the 36th round of La Liga.

The hosts are facing a second consecutive season without trophies, following Barcelona’s confirmation as La Liga champions, while the visitors arrive in Madrid having already secured a spot in the Segunda Division for next year.

Match overview

This season has been quite disappointing for Real Madrid, whose aspirations for the La Liga title were dashed after a 2-0 loss to Barcelona—a result that crowned the Catalans champions and left Alvaro Arbeloa’s team reflecting on yet another trophyless year.

The defeat to Barcelona extended a troubling trend of recent outcomes against their most bitter rivals, who also claimed victory over Madrid in January. The latest setback will do little to improve the atmosphere at a club used to vying for prestigious titles.

Madrid’s league statistics, with 24 victories, five draws, and six defeats, reflect a team of true talent, yet one that has struggled to maintain the needed consistency for a credible title challenge throughout the entire season.

While they have scored 70 goals this league season, conceding 33 goals highlights a defensive record that has often let them down against stronger opponents.

At home in the Bernabeu, Madrid has been a powerful force, with 14 wins and one draw from 17 matches, losing only twice.

However, recent results across all competitions have been mixed, with two wins, a draw, and two losses in their last five fixtures. Arbeloa is intent on ensuring his team bounces back from the setback against Barcelona with an impressive home performance.

Real Oviedo arrives at the Bernabeu relegated, their fate sealed after a 1-1 tie between Rayo Vallecano and Girona that left them unable to escape the relegation zone, condemning them to Segunda Division football next season.

This has been a miserable campaign for the Asturians, sitting at the bottom of the table with 29 points from six wins, 11 draws, and 18 losses, having only managed to score 26 goals while conceding 54.

Their away performance has also been troubling, with just two victories from 17 matches on the road, alongside four draws and 11 losses, making their trip to the Bernabeu one of the most daunting tasks left on their schedule.

Oviedo’s last match saw them end in a scoreless draw at home against Getafe, which included two red cards—this disciplinary record further complicates Guillermo Almada’s preparations for Thursday’s game.

The last time these two teams met, Madrid won 3-0, and given the majority of their previous encounters date back to the early 2000s, this fixture has historically highlighted a significant disparity in quality between the sides.

With relegation already confirmed, Oviedo heads to Madrid with nothing to lose, and while an upset seems highly improbable considering the quality differences of the squads, Almada’s team may approach the match with the freedom that comes from shedding any remaining pressure.

Team News

Real Madrid might be missing Dean Huijsen, who is questionable due to physical discomfort ahead of the match, while Dani Ceballos remains out with a thigh injury.

Ferland Mendy is sidelined due to a ligament injury, and Dani Carvajal is still recovering from a leg injury.

Federico Valverde is doubtful with a head injury, while Eder Militao and Arda Guler are both absent due to thigh injuries.

Rodrygo continues to be a long-term absentee with a cruciate ligament injury, while Kylian Mbappe has returned to training following a hamstring issue, but it remains unclear if he will be available for Thursday’s match.

Real Oviedo will not have Javi Lopez and Kwasi Sibo, both serving suspensions for this match due to their red cards in the match against Getafe.

Leander Dendoncker is doubtful due to a muscle injury, while Jaime Vazquez is out with a groin injury.

Eric Bailly is also unavailable after suffering a broken nose early in the match against Getafe, adding to Almada’s defensive challenges ahead of the trip to Madrid.

Real Madrid probable starting XI:

Courtois; Trent, Asencio, Rudiger, Garcia; Diaz, Camavinga, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Garcia, Vinicus

Real Oviedo probable starting XI:

Scandal; Alhassane, Calvo, Costas, Vidal; Fernandez, Reina, Cazorla, Hassan; Vinas, Chaira

Madrid’s strong home record, attacking prowess, and desire to provide their supporters with some joy after a trophyless season make them overwhelming favorites in this matchup.

While Oviedo comes in with nothing to lose, the considerable gap in quality between these two teams should ensure a comfortable evening for the hosts at the Bernabeu.