Quick Read
- Real Madrid defeated Mallorca 2-1 at Santiago Bernabéu on August 30, 2025.
- Vedat Muriqi scored first for Mallorca, shocking Madrid’s defense.
- Arda Güler equalized with a header in the 37th minute.
- Vinícius Júnior secured the win with a decisive goal in the second half.
- The victory keeps Real Madrid at the top of La Liga with three consecutive wins.
Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Mallorca on August 30, 2025, at the Santiago Bernabéu, continuing their perfect start to the 2025/26 La Liga season. The match, marked by tactical adjustments, youthful brilliance, and moments of individual skill, highlighted the depth and resilience of Xabi Alonso’s squad.
First Half Drama: Muriqi Stuns the Bernabéu
Real Madrid entered the game with confidence, coming off two consecutive wins against Osasuna and Real Oviedo. However, the visitors from Mallorca, known for their defensive discipline, quickly silenced the home crowd. In the 18th minute, Vedat Muriqi capitalized on a corner delivered by Pablo Torre, heading the ball past Thibaut Courtois to give Mallorca a surprising 1-0 lead. The goal marked the first time Real Madrid had conceded this season, as noted by BBC Sport.
Despite dominating possession, Real Madrid struggled to break through Mallorca’s compact defense. Cooling breaks were necessary due to the sweltering 27°C evening heat, which added to the match’s intensity. Young Argentine Franco Mastantuono and Trent Alexander-Arnold showcased creativity down the flanks, but their efforts were repeatedly thwarted by Mallorca’s backline.
Arda Güler’s Header Sparks a Comeback
With pressure mounting, Real Madrid found their equalizer in the 37th minute. A well-executed set piece saw Dean Huijsen head the ball across the box, allowing Arda Güler to nod it into the net. The 18-year-old Turkish midfielder, starting his third consecutive game, demonstrated his growing importance under Alonso’s leadership. According to Al Jazeera, this moment revitalized Madrid’s attack and set the stage for a thrilling second half.
As the half ended 1-1, Alonso made subtle tactical adjustments, emphasizing quick transitions and exploiting the left flank with Vinícius Júnior’s pace. The Brazilian, who returned to the starting lineup, was instrumental in unsettling Mallorca’s defense.
Vinícius Júnior’s Decisive Strike
Real Madrid’s persistence paid off in the second half, with Vinícius Júnior emerging as the hero. In the 62nd minute, he received a precise pass from Kylian Mbappé, skillfully cutting inside before unleashing a powerful shot past Leo Román. This goal not only secured the lead but also showcased the chemistry between Madrid’s attacking trio of Vinícius, Mbappé, and Mastantuono.
Mallorca, despite their best efforts, struggled to regain momentum. Their strategy to frustrate Madrid through physical play and quick counterattacks fell short as Real’s midfield, led by Fede Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni, dominated possession and controlled the tempo. As Marca highlighted, this performance underscored Madrid’s tactical maturity under Alonso.
Key Takeaways and Looking Ahead
The victory solidified Real Madrid’s position at the top of the La Liga table with nine points from three matches. The team’s ability to overcome adversity, especially in the absence of injured stars like Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga, speaks volumes about their depth and adaptability.
Mallorca, while leaving the Bernabéu empty-handed, earned praise for their spirited display. Vedat Muriqi’s goal and Pablo Torre’s creativity in midfield highlighted their potential to challenge stronger teams this season.
With their next fixture against Villarreal, Real Madrid will aim to maintain their momentum and further refine their style under Alonso’s guidance.