Real Madrid Vs Mallorca

Real Madrid faces a crucial test as they prepare to host Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, aiming to prolong their slim La Liga title hopes for at least another day. Following a dramatic 4-3 defeat to Barcelona in El Clásico, Los Blancos now trail their arch-rivals by seven points with just three matches remaining in the season. The stakes could not be higher—a failure to secure victory against Mallorca would mathematically confirm Barcelona as champions, while a win would delay the inevitable for another 24 hours until Barça’s clash with Espanyol on Thursday.  

The recent Clásico was a microcosm of Real Madrid’s season—moments of brilliance overshadowed by defensive frailties. Kylian Mbappé, the French superstar, electrified the match with two early goals, giving Madrid a dream start within the first 15 minutes. However, Barcelona responded with ruthless efficiency, netting four times before halftime, including a devastating three-goal blitz in just 13 minutes. Despite Mbappé completing his hat-trick in the second half—becoming only the third player in the 21st century to achieve this feat in a Clásico—his heroics were in vain as Real Madrid succumbed to their fourth defeat against Barcelona this season.  

This loss has left Carlo Ancelotti’s side in a precarious position. With only nine points left to contest, overturning a seven-point deficit seems improbable. Yet, pride and professionalism demand that Real Madrid finish the campaign strongly, not just for their own dignity but also to give Ancelotti a fitting farewell. The Italian tactician, who has masterminded multiple Champions League triumphs during his tenure, is set to depart at the season’s end to take charge of the Brazilian national team, paving the way for Xabi Alonso to assume the managerial reins.  

Despite their recent setback, Real Madrid’s home form remains formidable. They have won 14 of their 17 league matches at the Bernabéu this season, suffering only two defeats and recording one draw. Victories in their last two home fixtures—against Athletic Bilbao and Celta Vigo—demonstrate their resilience in front of their own supporters. Moreover, their historical dominance over Mallorca at home is staggering: eight consecutive La Liga wins, 25 goals scored, and four clean sheets. These statistics suggest that Madrid will enter this fixture as heavy favorites, especially given the urgency of their situation.  

Mallorca, meanwhile, arrives in the capital in relatively high spirits after snapping a three-match winless streak with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over already-relegated Real Valladolid. Jagoba Arrasate’s men had to come from behind after Chuki’s early opener, with Omar Mascarell equalizing before Sergi Darder netted the winner. The result leaves Mallorca in ninth place, level on 47 points with Rayo Vallecano in eighth.  

For a club of Mallorca’s stature, securing a top-half finish would be a commendable achievement, particularly in Arrasate’s debut season at the helm. Even more tantalizing is the possibility of European football—while the Conference League remains within reach, an unlikely push for the Europa League is not entirely out of the question, with seventh-placed Celta Vigo just two points ahead. However, their remaining schedule is far from favorable, with two of their final three matches on the road.  

Mallorca’s away form has been inconsistent at best, losing five of their last eight away fixtures, including three of their previous four by a slender 1-0 margin. Their struggles in front of goal have been particularly glaring, failing to score in eight of their 17 away league matches this season—a record only worse than Getafe and Real Sociedad. This profligacy could prove costly against a Real Madrid side desperate to keep their faint title hopes alive.  

The last meeting between these two sides—a 3-0 victory for Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final in Saudi Arabia—suggests another one-sided affair. However, Mallorca can take some solace from their 1-1 draw against Madrid on the opening day of the season, a result that demonstrated their ability to frustrate the giants of Spanish football.  

As the match approaches, the narrative is clear: Real Madrid must win to delay Barcelona’s coronation, while Mallorca seeks to play spoiler and bolster their own European ambitions. For Madrid, this is more than just a game—it’s about pride, momentum ahead of their Champions League commitments, and sending Ancelotti off with a strong finish. For Mallorca, it’s an opportunity to defy expectations and cap off a promising season with a statement result.  

The tactical battle will be intriguing. Ancelotti may opt for an aggressive lineup, with Mbappé leading the charge alongside Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo in a dynamic front three. The midfield trio of Toni Kroos, Federico Valverde, and Aurélien Tchouaméni will be crucial in dictating tempo, while the defense—likely featuring Antonio Rüdiger and Éder Militão—must avoid the lapses that proved costly against Barcelona.  

Mallorca, on the other hand, will likely adopt a compact, defensive approach, looking to absorb pressure and hit Madrid on the counter. Sergi Darder’s creativity and the physical presence of Vedat Muriqi could pose problems if Madrid’s backline is not disciplined. Set pieces may also be a key avenue for the visitors, given Madrid’s occasional vulnerability in aerial duels.  

Beyond the immediate implications, this match serves as a glimpse into Real Madrid’s future. With Ancelotti’s departure confirmed and Xabi Alonso waiting in the wings, the club is on the cusp of a new era. Alonso, a former Madrid midfielder, is highly regarded for his work at Bayer Leverkusen and represents a shift towards a younger, more progressive coaching philosophy. How the players respond in these final games could set the tone for next season.  

For Mallorca, the focus remains on building a sustainable project under Arrasate. Their recruitment in recent years has been shrewd, blending experienced campaigners like Manu Morlanes with emerging talents like Pablo Maffeo. A strong finish could attract further investment and elevate the club’s status in La Liga.  

In conclusion, while the title race may be all but over, Wednesday’s clash carries significant weight for both teams. Real Madrid will fight to keep their slim hopes alive, while Mallorca aims to solidify their place in the top half. The Bernabéu will be the stage for a contest filled with drama, intensity, and no shortage of narrative intrigue. Whether it ends in a Madrid victory or a Mallorca upset, one thing is certain—this match will be a compelling chapter in the closing stages of the 2024-25 La Liga season.