Mbappe jeered as Real Madrid beat Oviedo 2-0 in La Liga

MADRID: Kylian Mbappe was jeered by sections of the Santiago Bernabeu crowd as Real Madrid secured a 2-0 win over Real Oviedo in La Liga on Thursday, with the France forward returning from a thigh injury as a substitute.

Madrid, who were already set to end a second straight season without a major trophy after Barcelona sealed the league title last week, got the job done through goals from Gonzalo Garcia and Jude Bellingham. The result came after Los Blancos, without Mbappe, lost El Clasico at Camp Nou on Sunday, a defeat that confirmed Hansi Flick's Barcelona as champions.

Mbappe, Madrid's leading scorer, has faced strong criticism from some supporters in recent weeks over what fans see as a lack of commitment. He was again targeted when he came on, with displeasure among supporters also linked to his recent holiday in Sardinia while recovering from injury.

The whistles.. that's life, you can't change the opinion of the people when they are angry.

Mbappe told reporters.

It's the life of a Real Madrid player and a famous player like me.

Footballers don't always have to understand, they have to accept and look forward and change the situation.

Madrid take control before and after the break

Alvaro Arbeloa, whose future as Madrid coach appears uncertain with Jose Mourinho being linked with a return to the Bernabeu dugout, started with both Mbappe and England midfielder Bellingham on the bench.

Franco Mastantuono forced an early save from Aaron Escandell in what remained Madrid's clearest opening for much of the first half. Oviedo also threatened, with Nacho Vidal firing over after a promising move.

Vinicius Junior, who was also whistled by some fans, saw one effort blocked before sending the rebound into the side-netting.

Madrid eventually went in front shortly before the interval when Garcia applied a composed finish after Brahim Diaz played a low ball into him inside the area.

After the break, Escandell tipped over a Diaz effort and then denied Alvaro Carreras at his near post. Oviedo had another opening through Vidal, but he dragged his shot wide across goal.

Arbeloa then introduced Mbappe, who tried to make an impact despite the hostile reaction. The striker, who had scored 41 goals in 41 matches in all competitions this season before this game, sent a couple of efforts off target and had another blocked.

Many Real Madrid players have been jeered by their own supporters over the years, including Mbappe's idol Cristiano Ronaldo.

Bellingham seals the result

Madrid made the points safe when Mbappe supplied Bellingham, who created room for himself and struck a firm low finish past Escandell from just inside the box.

The match was played in front of thousands of empty seats, and there was also visible dissent aimed at club president Florentino Perez. Stewards removed a banner that read Florentino go now, reflecting divided opinion among supporters during what has been described as a turbulent period for the club. Perez this week called elections.

Elsewhere in La Liga, Girona drew 1-1 with Real Sociedad to move up to 15th place, though they remained only one point above the relegation zone. Valencia and Rayo Vallecano, both in mid-table, also played out a 1-1 draw and are still not fully clear of relegation danger.