On Matchday 36 of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Real Oviedo at the Bernabéu, winning 2:0 in a stadium that was emptier than it had been in a long time. However, it did not come as a surprise that so few fans had bought tickets for the match, especially considering that Álvaro Arbeloa’s side had already secured 2nd place in the table and Oviedo could no longer avoid relegation. Particularly bitter for the Asturians: they had only returned to La Liga last summer after a 24-year absence.

Real Madrid took control in the opening minutes and created the first clear chance of the game in the 6th minute. Franco Mastantuono’s effort from close range was brilliantly saved by Oviedo goalkeeper Aaron Escandell. Although the hosts continued to dominate possession afterwards, Guillermo Almada’s side gradually started to play with more courage.

It was clear that the fans in the stadium had endured a long season. Real Madrid will finish the football year without a trophy after FC Barcelona secured the league title in last Sunday’s Clásico. But beyond that, Real Madrid also seem to be sinking deeper and deeper into chaos off the pitch. Following last week’s headlines surrounding the fight between Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde, club president Florentino Pérez attracted attention on Tuesday with an extraordinary press conference. He not only spoke about «smear campaigns» against himself and the club as well as a media «conspiracy» against Real Madrid, but also questioned a female journalist’s professional competence because of her gender. As a result, it is hardly surprising that not only the club’s press officers seem to be suffering, but that the supporters are also slowly losing patience and whistle at the players after every mistake.

Although Madrid showed more attacking intent, the Asturians also grew into the game, and at times it was difficult to tell which team had already been relegated and which one had 15 Champions League titles to its name. Shortly before half-time, however, the home side created another opportunity. Gonzalo García scored the opener after being picked out by Brahim Díaz just outside the box before placing the ball into the far corner. It was a deserved lead at the break, although Los Blancos certainly could have shown more ruthlessness.

At the start of the second half, the 22 players produced a rather uninspiring display. It was obvious that neither team had anything left to win or lose. As a result, the moment that generated the most atmosphere was probably the introduction of Kylian Mbappé. The Frenchman was already being booed while warming up. When he stepped onto the pitch shortly afterwards, loud whistles echoed throughout the stadium despite the low attendance. Even afterwards, the fans used every touch of the striker to make clear how disappointed they were with his performances. In recent days, angry supporters launched a petition demanding Mbappé’s departure from Real Madrid. This is said to be related both to his trip to Italy during an injury layoff and to his behaviour towards teammates and members of staff. The petition has meanwhile gathered more than thirty million signatures and symbolically reflects the current state of the club.

Shortly before full-time, substitute Jude Bellingham came alive once more and scored the 2:0 from around 15 metres out. It was another goal that, judging by the course of the game, was deserved, but ultimately no longer carried much significance.

Without any added time, the meaningless match in terms of the table came to an end shortly afterwards. Los Blancos deservedly won 2:0 as the clearly dominant side, although without truly convincing. A performance that ultimately reflected Real Madrid’s current state, a team still capable of controlling games on the pitch, yet surrounded by growing unrest and frustration off it.

Real Madrid travel to Sevilla for their next league match next weekend, while Oviedo will host Alavés at home. Both sides will look to close out the season with a bit more stability, even if the bigger picture already feels decided.