Quick Read
- Real Madrid’s five-game winning streak was snapped by a 2-1 loss to Mallorca.
- The defeat significantly impacts Real Madrid’s La Liga title aspirations, potentially falling seven points behind Barcelona.
- The loss comes just three days before Real Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich.
MADRID (Azat TV) – Real Madrid’s formidable five-game winning streak across all competitions came to an abrupt end on Saturday with a shocking 2-1 defeat to Mallorca at the Son Moix stadium. The unexpected loss not only halts their momentum but also significantly impacts their pursuit of the La Liga title and comes just days before a crucial Champions League quarter-final clash.
Mallorca Secures Vital Points in Upset Victory
Mallorca, battling relegation, secured a vital three points thanks to goals from Manu Morlanes just before halftime and a stoppage-time winner from Vedat Muriqi. Real Madrid, who had appeared lackluster and devoid of their usual attacking flair, only managed to pull one goal back in the 88th minute through Éder Militão’s header. This victory marks only Mallorca’s fourth win of 2026 and lifts them out of the relegation zone.
Title Race Implications and Mbappé’s Return
The defeat is a significant blow to Real Madrid’s La Liga title hopes. A subsequent win for Barcelona against Atletico Madrid could see Los Blancos fall seven points behind the league leaders with only eight games remaining. Adding to the concern was the performance of Kylian Mbappé, who made his first start since February after recovering from a knee injury. Despite being given free rein of the attack while Vinícius Junior was rested, Mbappé struggled to break down Mallorca’s defense and was notably outplayed by goalkeeper Leo Román. Coach Álvaro Arbeloa accepted full responsibility for the defeat, acknowledging that resting key players like Vinícius Junior, who had played twice for Brazil during the international break, was his decision.
Upcoming Challenges and Squad Concerns
The loss to Mallorca serves as a stark warning for Real Madrid as they prepare to face Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals in just three days. The team’s disjointed performance, particularly in attack, raises questions about their readiness for such a high-stakes European tie. Key players like Fede Valverde were suspended, and Jude Bellingham was limited to a substitute appearance as he works back to full fitness. The tactical challenge for Arbeloa now is to reintegrate his star players and rediscover the form that saw them win five consecutive matches prior to this unexpected stumble.
The defeat underscores Real Madrid’s struggles with consistency and finding an effective attacking rhythm, even with their full complement of star players, raising significant questions just days before a critical Champions League fixture.