Madrid turmoil takes center stage before Oviedo visit

All eyes are likely to be on the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Thursday when Real Madrid hosts Real Oviedo.

Oviedo has already been relegated to the second division, while Real Madrid is reeling after Sunday's 2-0 Clasico defeat to FC Barcelona, a result that confirmed Barcelona as La Liga champion.

Florentino Perez, president of Real Madrid CF, attends an urgent press conference in Madrid, Spain, May 12, 2026. Florentino Perez on Tuesday announced new elections for the club presidency, less than a year and a half after he was re-elected in January 2025. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez held a news conference on Tuesday, lashing out at his critics and calling new presidential elections less than 18 months after retaining the post.

Perez launched a furious attack on sections of the media, accusing them of trying to undermine him, while avoiding any self-criticism over a club that appears to be in turmoil amid reports of dressing-room tensions.

Coach Alvaro Arbeloa, struggling to impose authority and unite the squad, faces a difficult task on Thursday.

Arbeloa has a long injury list, with Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal all sidelined. Arda Guler has a muscle problem, while Federico Valverde is unavailable after suffering a head injury in last week's dressing-room altercation with Aurelien Tchouameni.

There is also uncertainty over the reception Tchouameni will receive from the Bernabeu crowd, while Kylian Mbappe's availability remains unclear after he missed the Clasico with a hamstring problem.

If Mbappe is fit enough to play, he may also face whistles from supporters, with some questioning his commitment to the club ahead of the World Cup.

Thursday's other two games carry significant stakes. Girona, 17th in the standings, hosts Real Sociedad, while mid-table Valencia and Rayo Vallecano both remain in contention for a place in next season's UEFA Conference League.