If you haven’t been following the Real Madrid soap opera over the past fortnight, do sit down. Tchouaméni and Valverde came to blows during a training session, with the Uruguayan ending up in hospital after catching the corner of a table with his head. Both players were hit with the largest fines in the club’s history. Valverde was diagnosed with a concussion and won’t feature on Thursday.
Arbeloa has been confirmed as leaving at the end of the season, with José Mourinho reportedly being lined up as his replacement. Florentino Pérez then called an emergency press conference, which largely descended into a row with journalists. The chaos off the pitch, in other words, is considerably more entertaining than anything likely to happen on it.
Two Clubs With Nothing Left to Lose
Real Madrid are finishing the season without a trophy for the second year running. The league title went again to Barcelona, the Copa del Rey to Real Sociedad, and there is nothing left to play for beyond the dignity of second place. Supporters in the stadium are preparing for a whistle concert for both the players and Florentino Pérez.
Their opponents have even less at stake. Oviedo’s relegation has already been confirmed, condemning them to Segunda División football next season, and their numbers tell the story of a thoroughly difficult campaign: 29 points, 26 goals scored, 54 conceded, and a 20th-place finish.
There is something almost poetic about this fixture. A wounded giant, playing out the string in front of a fanbase that expected a title, hosting a club that has already mentally moved on to the second tier. Neither side has anything meaningful riding on the result, which makes it either a pleasantly low-pressure watch or a deeply forgettable one, depending on your outlook.
🗣️ ''I'm not going to resign.''
Kaveh Solhekol on Florentino Perez's stunning press conference where he blamed refereeing decisions and attacked the media whilst defending his Real Madrid presidency. pic.twitter.com/o5JMyHlI7h
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 12, 2026
Team News, Key Players, and What to Back
Arbeloa arrives at this match with a squad that reads more like an injury bulletin than a starting eleven. Rodrygo is out for the season and will miss the World Cup entirely after rupturing both his ACL and lateral meniscus. Militão has undergone surgery following a hamstring injury and faces roughly five months on the sidelines, while Arda Güler, Ferland Mendy, and the concussed Valverde are all unavailable. Mbappé, who failed a late fitness test ahead of El Clásico with a hamstring problem, may return here. If he does, that changes the attacking picture considerably.
Bellingham, meanwhile, has managed just one goal contribution in his last 12 appearances; not ideal form for a player of his billing. Vinicius is two goals away from a personal best La Liga tally and may carry the greater threat. On the Oviedo side, expect a side playing with the freedom of a team with absolutely nothing left to lose, which can occasionally make for an awkward evening. Barcelona lost to Alavés yesterday, since they were crowned champions, had nothing meaningful to play – maybe they had too much party on Monday.
The bookmakers have a home win as the heavy favourite, and it’s hard to argue. The over 2.5 goals line sits at around 1.56, which looks the most interesting angle in a match where Madrid will want to put on a show for a frustrated Bernabéu crowd, and Oviedo has no particular reason to park the bus.
Real Madrid predicted lineup: Courtois – Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Rüdiger, Fran García – Brahim Díaz, Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Bellingham – Gonzalo García, Vinicius Jr.
Real Oviedo predicted lineup: Escandell – Nacho Vidal, Calvo, Costas, Rahim Alhassane – Colombatto, Fonseca – Chaira, Reina, Thiago Fernández – Fede Viñas
Best bet: Real Madrid win + over 2.5 goals. Not inspired, but entirely fitting for a dead-rubber that still somehow manages to feel dramatic.
18+. Please bet responsibly.
