Real Madrid’s recent 1-0 victory against Mallorca at the Son Moix stadium was a hard-fought affair, showcasing both tactical resilience and individual brilliance, though ultimately leaving many Madridistas craving a more dominant performance. The game, played in a lively atmosphere, highlighted Mallorca’s determined defensive structure and Madrid’s struggle to break it down.
Carlo Ancelotti opted for a starting lineup that balanced experience and youth, aiming to control possession and dictate the tempo. However, Mallorca, under Javier Aguirre, proved to be a formidable opponent. Their compact defensive shape, characterized by a deep-lying block and aggressive pressing in midfield, frustrated Real Madrid’s attempts to create clear-cut chances throughout much of the match.
Vinicius Junior, often a catalyst for Madrid’s attacks, found himself tightly marked and struggled to impose his usual threat. Similarly, Rodrygo, deployed on the right wing, was unable to consistently breach the Mallorca defense. The midfield trio of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Aurelien Tchouameni worked tirelessly, but the lack of space and Mallorca’s disciplined marking limited their ability to unlock the opposition’s defense with incisive passes.
Despite the struggles, Real Madrid’s persistence eventually paid off. The breakthrough came courtesy of a stunning strike from Aurelien Tchouameni in the 48th minute. The French midfielder unleashed a powerful long-range shot that nestled perfectly into the top corner, leaving the Mallorca goalkeeper with no chance. This goal injected a much-needed spark into Madrid’s performance, forcing Mallorca to come out of their defensive shell slightly.
However, even with the lead, Real Madrid were unable to completely dominate the game. Mallorca continued to press and create occasional opportunities on the counter-attack. Thibaut Courtois was called into action on a few occasions, demonstrating his world-class goalkeeping abilities and preserving Madrid’s slender advantage. The introduction of players like Eduardo Camavinga and Marco Asensio in the second half added fresh legs and tactical flexibility, helping Madrid maintain control and see out the victory.
While the three points were crucial in keeping pace with Barcelona at the top of La Liga, the performance exposed some vulnerabilities in Real Madrid’s attack against well-organized defensive teams. The lack of consistent creativity in the final third and the over-reliance on individual brilliance were evident. Going forward, Ancelotti will likely be looking for ways to improve the team’s attacking fluidity and tactical adaptability to ensure they can consistently break down stubborn opponents.
Ultimately, the victory against Mallorca was a testament to Real Madrid’s resilience and ability to grind out results even when not at their best. While not a vintage performance, it demonstrated the squad’s depth and determination, key ingredients for a successful campaign.