Real Madrid 2-0 Real Oviedo: Gonzalo’s Opener & Bellingham’s Late Strike Secure Routine Win

Real Madrid 2-0 Real Oviedo

Real Madrid 2-0 Real Oviedo

La Liga – Matchweek 36

Thursday, 14 May 2026 – Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid

Real Madrid returned to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 victory over already-relegated Real Oviedo at the Santiago Bernabéu. Goals from young forward Gonzalo García and substitute Jude Bellingham gave Carlo Ancelotti’s side (now under interim coach Álvaro Arbeloa) three much-needed points, but the performance was far from convincing and highlighted the growing frustrations surrounding the club this season.

With the La Liga title already mathematically secured by Barcelona, this match was largely about pride, squad rotation, and keeping momentum ahead of the final two fixtures. Real Madrid fielded a heavily rotated lineup, including Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back and Marco Asensio on the wing, while Kylian Mbappé made a late cameo amid reported tension with the coaching staff.

Match Timeline & Goal Scorers

44' – Real Madrid 1-0 Real Oviedo Gonzalo García opened the scoring just before half-time. Brahim Díaz produced a clever assist with a precise low cross, and the 21-year-old academy graduate finished calmly from close range. It was García’s first La Liga goal of the season and gave Madrid a deserved lead after dominating the first half without much cutting edge.

80' – Real Madrid 2-0 Real Oviedo Jude Bellingham came off the bench to seal the victory. Kylian Mbappé, who had entered the game late, provided the assist with a simple lay-off, and Bellingham slotted the ball home with his left foot from the centre of the box. The England international’s goal was his 11th of the season and ensured there would be no late drama against a side already condemned to Segunda División.

Real Oviedo, fighting for pride in their final away games as a top-flight side, created very few chances and were largely restricted to long-range efforts. The visitors defended resolutely but lacked the quality to trouble Thibaut Courtois.

Tactical Analysis & Key Performances

Real Madrid’s Rotation & Control: The home side controlled possession (62%) and created the majority of chances, but the performance was laboured at times. The midfield, led by Luka Modrić and Federico Valverde, dictated the tempo, while the attack relied on individual moments rather than fluid combinations. The rotated defence (with Antonio Rüdiger rested) remained solid, and Courtois made two important saves to keep a clean sheet.

Real Oviedo’s Limited Threat: The visitors sat deep and looked to hit on the counter, but their lack of attacking options was evident. Coach Diego Cocca’s side showed spirit, yet they were outclassed in every department and could not capitalise on Madrid’s occasional defensive lapses.

Standout Players:

• Gonzalo García (Real Madrid) – Scored the crucial opener and showed excellent movement and composure.

• Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) – Impact substitute who sealed the win with a clinical finish.

• Brahim Díaz (Real Madrid) – Provided the assist for the first goal and was creative throughout.

• Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) – Made a late appearance and assisted Bellingham’s goal despite reported dressing-room tension.

What This Result Means for La Liga

This victory had little impact on the title race — Barcelona had already been crowned champions the previous week — but it was vital for Real Madrid’s final positioning. The three points took Los Blancos to 80 points from 36 matches, keeping them firmly in second place.

Updated La Liga Standings (after Matchweek 36):

1. Barcelona – 91 points (champions)

2. Real Madrid – 80 points

3. Villarreal – 72 points

4. Atlético Madrid – 66 points

Real Madrid remain on course to finish second and secure a top Champions League seeding for next season. Villarreal and Atlético Madrid continue to battle for the remaining Champions League places, with only a few points separating them. At the bottom, Real Oviedo’s defeat confirmed their relegation (they sit 20th with 29 points), while other strugglers still face a tense final two weeks.

With just two games remaining (against Sevilla and Athletic Club), Real Madrid can now focus on ending the season strongly and preparing for a major summer rebuild. The win provided some relief after the disappointment of the El Clásico defeat, but the underlying issues — fan protests, dressing-room rumours, and a trophyless season — remain unresolved.

By Reza Mirzadegan

Published by May 14, 2026