During Real Madrid’s 2–0 victory over Real Oviedo, Jude Bellingham’s decisive performance helped secure all three points for Los Blancos as fan protests around the club continued to intensify. Following the match, the Madrid manager addressed questions regarding why Kylian Mbappé started the game on the bench.
He explained that a player who was unable to travel with the squad in the previous fixture could not immediately return to the starting lineup. The manager also stressed that the match against Oviedo “was not a final,” with another important fixture against Sevilla FC scheduled for Sunday, 17 May 2026.
He added that it is completely normal for a player who missed the previous game to be eased back into action gradually rather than being rushed into the starting eleven immediately.
Meanwhile, Softfootball have observed, Mbappé has remained heavily discussed in the media in recent weeks. The French star recently praised club president Florentino Pérez amid growing pressure surrounding Real Madrid’s season and reports of dressing room concerns. Mbappé has also publicly reaffirmed his commitment to the club despite ongoing speculation during the season review period.
