Mallorca vs Real Madrid: Preview, predictions and lineups

Real Madrid begin the defence of their La Liga title when they visit RCD Mallorca in their opening fixture of the domestic campaign.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side have already claimed their first piece of silverware this term when Kylian Mbappe scored on his debut in a 2-0 win over Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup. A sixth triumph in the competition, it’s a sign of things to come in what is likely to be a trophy-laden campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Los Blancos won La Liga at a canter last season but they may be put under more pressure from rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid this term, with the former now under the guidance of Hansi Flick. However, the addition of Mbappe to an already star-studded squad doesn’t offer their competitors much hope.

Mallorca may be straightforward opponents for Madrid in their opener. The Palma side only avoided relegation by seven points last season and lost both their meetings with the champions, albeit they were both tight 1-0 defeats.

Here is 90min’s guide to Real Madrid’s clash with Mallorca.

Mallorca vs Real Madrid H2H Record (Last Five Games)

Current form (all competitions)

Mallorca are expected to be without 19-year-old winger Javi Llabres for Madrid’s visit but otherwise boast a clean bill of health following a positive pre-season campaign.

The club’s trio of summer signings – Johan Mojica, Takuma Asano and Mateu Morey – could all start at the weekend, with Morey a former Barcelona academy product.

Mallorca predicted lineup vs Real Madrid (4-5-1): Roman; Morey, Raillo, Copete, Mojica; Larin, Morlanes, Mascarell, Darder, Asano; Muriqi.

Ancelotti is likely to name an identical team to the one that beat Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup, with the only absentees being David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga. The latter sustained a concerning knee injury in training and will miss the start of the new campaign.

The frightening triumvirate of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Mbappe will lead the line, with Jude Bellingham pulling the strings in a deeper position.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Mallorca (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius.

After an ultimately convincing win over Europa League champions Atalanta midweek, Madrid should have no issues dispatching of a Mallorca side that will be fighting relegation this season. The menacing front three of the capital side will be eyeing a hatful in Palma.

Real also boast one of the sternest defences in world football, buoyed by the return of Thibaut Courtois between the sticks. With an industrious and talented midfield as well, Mallorca don’t really stand a chance against this Real Madrid machine.

Prediction: Mallorca 0-3 Real Madrid

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