Match preview

Real Madrid head into this fixture still feeling the effects of their disappointing 0-2 defeat to Barcelona in El Clásico, a match in which they fell behind by two goals inside the opening 18 minutes and struggled to create meaningful attacking danger. The atmosphere around the club remains tense, with Álvaro Arbeloa nearing the end of his tenure and reports of friction between sections of the squad and the coaching staff. With the title race effectively over, the remainder of the season has largely become a matter of pride for Los Blancos.

Injuries continue to complicate matters for Madrid. Kylian Mbappé is still training separately and is unlikely to be fit enough for a starting role, while Éder Militão, Federico Valverde, Rodrygo, and Arda Güler all remain unavailable. Even so, Real’s individual quality has generally been enough to overcome lower-table opponents, as shown by recent victories over Alavés and Espanyol. Vinícius Júnior, in particular, has looked sharp in recent weeks, contributing four goals and one assist across his last five appearances.

Oviedo, meanwhile, arrive at the Santiago Bernabéu in poor form and with relegation already confirmed. A 1-2 defeat to Elche was followed by a heavy 0-3 loss against Betis and a goalless draw with Getafe in which they faced relentless pressure and allowed 22 shots on goal. With survival no longer possible, the visitors travel to Madrid without the urgency that usually fuels teams fighting to stay up.

The away side are also dealing with major selection problems. Javier López Carballo and Quasi Sibo are both suspended after recent red cards, while Leander Dendoncker remains injured. Oviedo have struggled badly against elite opposition throughout the season, taking only one point from seven matches against the league’s top four clubs. Their first meeting with Real Madrid this campaign ended in a comfortable 3-0 victory for the capital side.

Probable lineups

Real Madrid: Courtois, Garcia, Heysen, Rüdiger, Alexander-Arnold, Tchouaméni, Pitarch, Vinícius Júnior, Bellingham, Díaz, Garcia.

Real Oviedo: Escandell, Vidal, Costas, Calvo, Alhassan, Fonseca, Colombatto, Chaira, Reina, Fernández, Viñas.

Match facts and head-to-head

Real Madrid won the reverse fixture 3-0 earlier this season.

Oviedo have collected just one point from seven matches against La Liga’s top-four teams.

Fewer than four goals have been scored in each of Real Madrid’s last six matches and also in Oviedo’s previous six league games.

Live Real Madrid vs Oviedo - LaLiga