Real Madrid vs Mallorca 2-1 : La Liga Title Race Update

Match Background and Venue

Real Madrid faced Mallorca on May 14, 2025, in a crucial La Liga match at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain. This Matchday 36 clash was important for Real Madrid, who were fighting to keep their slim La Liga title hopes alive.

Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring a goal for Real Madrid against Mallorca in LaLiga/ Getty Images

Mallorca, sitting ninth in the standings, aimed to upset the Spanish giants and climb into European qualification spots. The Bernabéu, with its iconic atmosphere, hosted this high-stakes encounter at 7:30 PM UTC.

Historically, Real Madrid dominated Mallorca at home, winning their last eight La Liga home games against them, scoring 25 goals. However, Mallorca’s gritty performances, including a 1-1 draw earlier in the season, promised a tough battle.

How Real Madrid Played

Real Madrid started the match under pressure after a 4-3 El Clasico loss to Barcelona, trailing the league leaders by seven points. Despite missing key defenders like Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal, and Eder Militao due to injuries, they showed hope.

Mallorca took an early lead, but Real Madrid fought back with determination. Kylian Mbappé, despite recent criticism, was a constant threat, creating chances and pushing for an equalizer.

Jude Bellingham’s influence grew in the second half, and a late surge saw Real Madrid snatch a dramatic 2-1 victory. Their comeback was fueled by tactical adjustments from coach Carlo Ancelotti, who urged his team to stay aggressive. The win kept their faint title hopes alive, though they needed Barcelona to falter.

How Mallorca Played

Mallorca, led by coach Jagoba Arrasate, approached the game with confidence after a 2-1 win over Real Valladolid. They stunned the Bernabéu early when Martin Valjent scored in the 11th minute, exposing Real Madrid’s depleted defense.

Mallorca’s disciplined 4-4-2 formation, anchored by Valjent and Antonio Raillo, frustrated Real Madrid for much of the match. Goalkeeper Leo Roman, filling in for Dominik Greif, made crucial saves.

However, Mallorca’s injury-hit squad, missing Manu Morlanes and Abdon Prats, struggled to maintain their lead. Despite their defensive solidity, they couldn’t hold off Real Madrid’s late pressure, conceding two goals in the final stages. Mallorca’s performance showed their potential to challenge top teams, but they left without points.

Lineups and Key Performers

Real Madrid’s confirmed lineup featured Thibaut Courtois in goal, with a makeshift defense of Lucas Vázquez, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Raúl Asencio, and Ferland Mendy. Midfielders Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, and Jude Bellingham supported attackers Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior, and Kylian Mbappé.

Mallorca lined up in a 4-4-2 with Leo Roman as goalkeeper, defended by Pablo Maffeo, Martin Valjent, Raillo, and Johan Mojica. Midfielders Daniel Rodríguez, Omar Mascarell, Sergi Darder, and Samu Costa backed forwards Cyle Larin and Vedat Muriqi.

Bellingham’s late impact and Mbappé’s persistence were decisive for Real Madrid, while Valjent’s goal and Roman’s saves stood out for Mallorca. Injuries forced both teams to adapt, with Real Madrid particularly thin at the back.

Real Madrid’s La Liga Title Journey

Real Madrid’s 2024-25 La Liga campaign has been a rollercoaster. As defending champions, they started with high expectations, bolstered by Kylian Mbappé’s arrival. However, injuries to key players like Rudiger, Militao, and Carvajal disrupted their rhythm.

A 1-1 draw against Mallorca in August hinted at challenges ahead. Real Madrid briefly topped the table in January after wins over Sevilla and Valencia, but a 4-3 El Clasico defeat on May 11 left them seven points behind Barcelona with three games left.

Their 2-1 win over Mallorca delayed Barcelona’s title celebrations, but the gap remains daunting. With matches against Sevilla and Real Sociedad next, Real Madrid must win and hope for Barcelona to drop points. Carlo Ancelotti’s impending departure to coach Brazil adds uncertainty, with Xabi Alonso set to take over.

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