A Battle for Early Dominance
The stage is set for an enthralling La Liga opener as Real Madrid travels to face Mallorca at Estadi Mallorca Son Moix on Sunday, August 18th, at 20:00 GMT. Fresh from their UEFA Super Cup triumph, Los Blancos are eager to kick off their domestic campaign with a victory, while Mallorca seeks to build on a promising pre-season under new management.
Team Form and Recent Performance
Mallorca: After finishing 15th last season, Mallorca enters the new campaign with renewed hopes under new manager Jagoba Arrasate. Their pre-season form was strong, with six wins out of seven matches, but maintaining that momentum against a team like Real Madrid will be a herculean task. The departure of key players like Predrag Rajkovic and a change in management adds an element of unpredictability to their campaign.
Real Madrid: The reigning Spanish and European champions have continued their dominance under Carlo Ancelotti. Fresh off a 2-0 victory over Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup, Madrid looks set to continue their success. Although their pre-season was mixed, the addition of Kylian Mbappé and the impressive form of Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior have only strengthened their squad.
Head-to-Head Records
Real Madrid and Mallorca have faced each other numerous times, with Madrid dominating the fixture in recent years.
• Recent Encounters: In their last five meetings, Real Madrid has won four times, with Mallorca managing just one victory—a 1-0 win at home in February 2023. The last encounter saw Madrid claim a narrow 1-0 victory in April 2024.
Date Real Madrid Mallorca
April 2024 1 0
Feb 2024 1 0
Feb 2023 0 1
Sept 2022 4 1
March 2022 3 0
Team News and Lineups
Mallorca: Mallorca will be missing Javi Llabres due to a muscle injury, but they are otherwise in good shape. The new manager is likely to field a three-man defense, with new signings Johan Mojica and Takuma Asano expected to start.
Real Madrid: Madrid will be without David Alaba due to a knee injury and Eduardo Camavinga, who is sidelined for six weeks with a knee issue. Ancelotti is likely to stick with the same lineup that triumphed over Atalanta, featuring a fearsome attacking trio of Vinicius Junior, Mbappé, and Rodrygo.
Key Players to Watch
Mallorca:
• Sergi Darder: The midfielder has a knack for scoring crucial goals, often late in the game and will be pivotal in trying to break down Madrid’s defense.
Real Madrid:
• Kylian Mbappé: The French forward made an immediate impact in the UEFA Super Cup and will be eager to make his mark in La Liga.
• Jude Bellingham: The young Englishman continues to impress in midfield, showcasing his versatility and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively.
Tactical Overview
Mallorca: Expect Mallorca to adopt a cautious approach, focusing on defensive solidity while looking to exploit any opportunities on the counter. The physicality and discipline of their midfield will be key to their strategy.
Real Madrid: Madrid will likely dominate possession, with quick transitions and lethal finishing in the final third. Ancelotti’s side will aim to control the tempo from the outset, using their superior technical ability to break down Mallorca’s defense.
Manager’s Tactics and Strategy
Jagoba Arrasate is expected to emphasize discipline and compactness in defense, with an eye on frustrating Real Madrid and capitalizing on set-piece opportunities.
Carlo Ancelotti, on the other hand, will look to maintain Madrid’s aggressive, attacking style, leveraging the pace and creativity of his front line to overwhelm Mallorca.
Match Conditions
The Estadi Mallorca Son Moix offers a challenging environment for visiting teams, and the home crowd will be in full voice for this high-stakes opener. The warm summer evening might also play a role in the game’s pace, potentially favoring the team that can maintain high energy levels.
Predictions and Expectations
Real Madrid enters this match as clear favorites, given their superior squad and recent form. However, Mallorca’s strong pre-season and home advantage could make this a closer contest than expected. While Madrid should have the quality to secure a win, Mallorca will aim to keep the scoreline respectable.
Prediction: Mallorca 0-2 Real Madrid
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