Kylian Mbappé was jeered by his own supporters during Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo on Thursday, as the club’s turbulent season nears its end.
The French forward, returning from a thigh injury as a substitute, endured whistles from the Santiago Bernabéu faithful, who have grown frustrated with what they perceive as a lack of commitment from their star player.
Madrid will finish a second consecutive campaign without a major trophy after Barcelona clinched the league title last week. Hansi Flick’s side were confirmed as champions following Madrid’s Clasico defeat at Camp Nou on Sunday.
Goals from Gonzalo García and Jude Bellingham secured a routine win over already-relegated Oviedo, though thousands of empty seats underscored the apathy surrounding the club.
Arbeloa’s future in doubt
Manager Álvaro Arbeloa – whose tenure is widely expected to end, with José Mourinho linked to a return – started both Mbappé and Bellingham on the bench.
Franco Mastantuono forced an early save from Oviedo’s Aaron Escandell, while at the other end Nacho Vidal blasted over following a slick visiting move. Vinícius Júnior, also subject to some whistles, saw a shot blocked before firing the rebound into the side-netting.
García broke the deadlock just before half-time, calmly finishing after Brahim Díaz’s low cross into the box.
Mbappé’s Sardinia trip draws ire
After the interval, Escandell tipped over a Díaz drive and denied Álvaro Carreras at the near post. Vidal then missed another fine chance, dragging his shot wide.
Arbeloa introduced Mbappé to a chorus of whistles, with fans particularly unhappy about the forward’s recent holiday to Sardinia while recovering from injury. The 41-goal striker, who had scored 41 times in as many games this season before Thursday, attempted to smile off the hostility.
Madrid supporters have jeered many of their own players over the years, including Mbappé’s idol Cristiano Ronaldo.
Bellingham adds second amid unrest
Jude Bellingham later added a second goal, creating space to drill low past Escandell from inside the box. That settled the match, though Madrid’s deeper problems remain unresolved.
Off the pitch, club president Florentino Pérez called for elections this week during a period of significant turmoil. Stewards removed a banner reading “Florentino, go now” from the stands, reflecting the divided opinion over the Madrid chief.
Elsewhere in La Liga, Girona climbed to 15th after a 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad, leaving them one point above the relegation zone. Mid-table sides Valencia and Rayo Vallecano also drew 1-1, though neither are yet mathematically safe from relegation.
