Form and Line-up Real Madrid
Real Madrid are in a deep psychological crisis: only two wins in their last eight matches in all competitions. The atmosphere in the dressing room is at breaking point – a fight between Fede Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni, and Kylian Mbappe is being heavily criticised by the fans. Nevertheless, at the Bernabeu the hosts are still powerful: 14 wins in 17 home games and an average of 2.3 goals scored. The main task for the remainder of the season is to save face in front of the supporters and avoid injuries before the 2026 World Cup.
Key numbers Real Madrid:
Real Madrid have collected 67 yellow cards this season (only Barcelona have fewer), but have received seven reds (only Rayo Vallecano and Real Oviedo are worse).
The home side have conceded in the second half in six of their last eight league matches.
The bet "both teams to score – yes" has landed in seven of the previous nine league rounds involving Real Madrid.
Probable line-up (4-2-3-1): Thibaut Courtois – Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger, Raul Asencio, Fran Garcia – Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni – Brahim Diaz, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior – Gonzalo Garcia
Absentees: Rodrygo, Eder Militao, Arda Guler, Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, Dani Ceballos, Fede Valverde (all injured), Kylian Mbappe, Dean Huijsen (doubts)
Form and Line-up Real Oviedo
Real Oviedo's journey in the top flight has come to an end. Mistakes in squad building and the late coaching change to Guillermo Almada did not allow the team to save themselves. Despite local successes (a 3:0 thrashing of Celta de Vigo), the visitors have lacked consistency – only two goals scored in the last four rounds. It is notable that away from home Real Oviedo play more boldly than at home, with 17 goals in 17 away matches, but their defence remains wide open (37 goals conceded).
Key numbers Real Oviedo:
Almada's team have conceded two or more goals in 8 of their last 11 away games in La Liga.
Over the season Real Oviedo have received 10 red cards – the worst record in La Liga.
The visitors have scored fewer goals than anyone else in the league – 26.
Probable line-up (4-4-2): Aaron Escandell – Nacho Vidal, David Costas, Dani Calvo, Abdel Rahim Alhassane – Haissem Hassan, Santiago Colombatto, Alberto Reina, Thiago Fernandez – Ilyas Chaira, Federico Vinas
Absentees: Eric Bailly (injury), Javi Lopez, Kwasi Sibo (suspensions), Leander Dendoncker (doubt)
