Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé was jeered by sections of fans at the Santiago Bernabéu during his side’s 2-0 La Liga victory over Real Oviedo on Thursday night.
The French forward returned from a thigh injury as a second-half substitute for Los Blancos, who are set to finish a second consecutive season without a major trophy after rivals FC Barcelona clinched the league title last week.
Madrid’s title hopes were effectively ended after their defeat to Barcelona in Sunday’s Clasico at Camp Nou, a match Mbappé missed through injury.
Despite scoring 41 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions this season before Thursday’s game, Mbappé has faced growing criticism from some Madrid supporters over what they perceive as a lack of commitment, particularly following reports of his recent holiday to Sardinia while recovering from injury.
Young striker Gonzalo García gave second-placed Madrid the lead before half-time, while Jude Bellingham sealed the win in the second half in front of a sparsely populated Bernabéu crowd.
Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa, whose future remains uncertain amid speculation linking José Mourinho with a sensational return to the club, started both Mbappé and Bellingham on the bench.
Teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono forced an early save from Oviedo goalkeeper Aaron Escandell in Madrid’s best opening of the first half, while Nacho Vidal squandered a promising chance for the visitors at the other end.
Vinícius Júnior, who was also targeted by whistles from sections of the crowd, saw one effort blocked before firing the rebound into the side netting.
Madrid eventually broke the deadlock shortly before the break when Brahim Díaz delivered a low pass into the box for García, who finished neatly past Escandell.
The hosts continued to dominate after the interval, with Escandell producing fine saves to deny Díaz and Álvaro Carreras. Oviedo, however, still threatened sporadically, with Vidal dragging another good chance wide.
Arbeloa introduced Mbappé in the second half, but the France captain was met with loud whistles from some supporters upon entering the pitch. The 26-year-old appeared unfazed, smiling despite the hostile reception.
Several Madrid stars have endured similar treatment from the Bernabéu faithful over the years, including Mbappé’s idol, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Off the pitch, tensions continue to grow around the club, with Madrid president Florentino Pérez recently calling elections during what has become a turbulent period for the Spanish giants.
Security stewards were also seen removing a banner from fans that read, “Florentino, go now,” highlighting divisions among supporters over Pérez’s leadership.
Bellingham eventually wrapped up the victory with a powerful low strike from just inside the box after creating space for himself in the closing stages.
While the result secured three points for Madrid, it did little to ease concerns surrounding the club after another disappointing campaign.
Elsewhere in La Liga, Girona FC drew 1-1 with Real Sociedad to move up to 15th place, just one point above the relegation zone. Valencia CF and Rayo Vallecano also played out a 1-1 draw as both sides continue to battle to avoid relegation.
AFP
