Real Madrid prepares to host Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Wednesday. This fixture is one of their final outings in La Liga this season and takes place as manager Carlo Ancelotti`s tenure nears its conclusion.
With only three games remaining and a seven-point deficit behind league leaders Barcelona, the La Liga title is effectively out of reach for Real Madrid. Consequently, the upcoming matches will likely focus on transitioning the squad and offering a glimpse into the team`s future direction, while also providing an opportunity to address current tactical or form issues. A notable priority for the squad will be to recover momentum following their recent fourth defeat in El Clasico this season as the domestic campaign concludes.
Despite the league standings, the atmosphere around the club is anticipated to be one of celebration and recognition for Ancelotti`s contributions. He is widely credited with significant success at Real Madrid, including multiple UEFA Champions League titles, making him the competition`s most decorated manager. For the departing boss, his aim for the final weeks is clear: “I want to finish the final stretch of this fantastic adventure here well.”
Match Details
Date: Wednesday, May 15
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Santiago Bernabeu Stadium — Madrid, Spain
Live stream: ESPN+
Odds: Real Madrid -300; Draw +410; Mallorca +700
Last Encounter
The teams last met in January during the Spanish Super Cup semifinals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Real Madrid secured a relatively straightforward 3-0 win. Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo were on the scoresheet for Los Blancos, in addition to an own goal from Martin Valjent.
Ancelotti`s Perspective
Carlo Ancelotti recently addressed the media regarding his confirmed move to manage the Brazilian national team. While the news wasn`t entirely unexpected, the timing prompted some reflections from the coach.
“If I didn`t have the press conference today, it would be fantastic,” he remarked, adding that there are details he cannot fully explain at the moment out of respect for his current club. Reflecting on his second spell at Real Madrid, Ancelotti conveyed a deep affection for the institution.
“I never had problems with Real and never will have problems with Real,” he stated. “It`s a club that lives dearly in my heart, but everything in life has a date to end. I couldn`t be Madrid coach for the rest of my life. It comes to an end for many reasons. The club may need a new impetus. I`m not making a big deal out of it. A thousand thanks to this club. And we`ll carry on. I`ll always be a Madrid fan. It`s the end of an era. Spectacular. I never thought I`d coach Madrid for six years, and now it`s happened.”
Ancelotti seems at peace with his decision, particularly given the significant success Real Madrid achieved during his two tenures.
“I always kept in mind that one day it ends,” he said. “I`ve had a great time, and I think everyone has, but there comes a time when it ends. Football is like life; something begins and ends. I`ve had a great time. We`ve won a lot and it will be a memory for life. The day I arrived [for the second time], if they told me I`d win 11 titles in four years, I`d sign it with my own blood. It`s been an unforgettable time.”
Expected Starting Lineups
Real Madrid:
- Thibaut Courtois
- Lucas Vazquez
- Aurelien Tchouameni
- Raul Asencio
- Fran Garcia
- Dani Ceballos
- Federico Valverde
- Arda Guler
- Jude Bellingham
- Vinicius Junior
- Kylian Mbappe
Mallorca:
- Dominik Greif
- Pablo Maffeo
- Martin Valjent
- Antonio Raíllo
- Johan Mojica
- Omar Mascarell
- Samu Costa
- Takuma Asano
- Dani Rodriguez
- Sergi Darder
- Vedat Muriqi
Player Spotlight
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid: Kylian Mbappe has been a dominant presence throughout Real Madrid`s season, often viewed as the potential linchpin of their attack. His integration has sometimes required tactical adjustments, yet his effectiveness remains clear. He was a notable performer in the recent Clasico, netting a hat-trick despite the team`s loss. The remaining fixtures offer Mbappe an opportunity to build momentum and set the stage for his role in the next campaign.
Key Narrative
Looking Towards Real Madrid`s Future: With Carlo Ancelotti`s departure confirmed, the focus is rapidly shifting towards Real Madrid`s strategic plans for the future. Xabi Alonso is frequently mentioned as a strong candidate to take over, but the managerial change is just one aspect of the potential transformation required. This season, the team has shown periods of inconsistency, particularly in offensive execution and defensive solidity, suggesting that significant squad reinforcements might be necessary during the summer transfer window. Consequently, the upcoming matches could serve as critical evaluations for players looking to secure a vital role under the new coaching staff.
Match Prediction
While Real Madrid has faced certain challenges this season, they have maintained a strong win rate in the latter part of the campaign, even if the winning margins haven`t always been wide. Mallorca is likely to find some opportunities against Real Madrid`s defense, which has shown occasional vulnerabilities. However, the home side possesses ample quality to secure a victory with relative comfort. The expected celebratory atmosphere surrounding Ancelotti`s farewell could also provide an additional emotional boost for Los Blancos as they aim to conclude the season on a positive note.
Predicted Score: Real Madrid 2, Mallorca 0
