Mounting a last-gasp comeback on Wednesday night, Real Madrid managed to keep hold of their La Liga crown for another 24 hours as they snatched a 2-1 victory at home against Mallorca.
In what was Carlo Ancelotti’s penultimate appearance at the Bernabeu, it was Mallorca who silenced the home support after just 11 minutes as Martin Valjent drilled home.
In what looked set to be another frustrating night for the soon-to-be former Spanish champions, Kylian Mbappe eventually dragged Madrid level in the 68th-minute.
Although Ancelotti’s side might have once again flattered to deceive for large spells, academy graduate Jacobo Ramon smashed home in the final seconds as the 20-year-old proved to be Madrid’s hero on what was his first senior start.
While Los Blancos might have avoided another public backlash here, Barcelona travel to local rivals Espanyol on Thursday night knowing that a single point will be enough to get the job done.
On a night when Real Madrid managed to prolong to champion status for another 24 hours, we have taken a look at the main talking points from the Bernabeu.
Ancelotti’s penultimate outing at the Bernabeu
Eventually falling to a remarkable 4-3 loss in Catalonia last weekend and essentially handing their arch-rivals their domestic crown , that result appeared to be the final nail in Ancelotti’s Bernabeu coffin.
While the Italian tactician might have cemented his status as an iconic around the white half of Madrid, it was officially confirmed earlier in the week that the former AC Milan boss is set to leave the club for a second time this month.
Although Wednesday’s hosts might be set to end the 2024/25 campaign without a single piece of silverware to show for their troubles, Madrid are desperate to give the 65-year-old a pleasant send off.
Set to start a new adventure leading South American giants Brazil to next year’s World Cup, Ancelotti won 15 trophies across two spells as Real manager and last season led Los Blancos to a Champions League and La Liga double.
While Madrid look set to officially relinquish their La Liga title when Barcelona travel across Catalonia to bitter local foes Espanyol on Thursday night, Ancelotti will certainly be given an emotional farewell when he walks out at the Bernabeu for a final time on May 25th.
Mbappe extends his Golden Boot buffer
While Mbappe’s wait to claim a maiden piece of Madrid silverware might be extended until next season, the French skipper has enjoyed a remarkable start to life at the Bernabeu.
Getting Los Blancos’ comeback underway here, the former PSG talisman has broken a string of long-standing records since arriving in the Spanish capital.
Quickly cementing his spot as Madrid’s latest poster boy, Mbappe has embarked on a sensational purple patch over the past fortnight and has skyrocketed himself to top spot in the Golden Boot chase.
Leaving Catalonia last week with what turned out to be a famous consolation hat-trick, Mbappe has now notched 28 goals in his 32 La Liga appearances this season and holds a three-goal buffer over Barcelona marksman Robert Lewandowski.
While Los Blancos might look back at the 2024/25 campaign with plenty of regret, the 26-year-old has been at the heart of everything positive Madrid has produced and will be excited by just how well he has adjusted to life among Spain’s elite.
A major dent in Mallorca’s European dreams
While Mallorca might have only just clung to their La Liga status last season, Wednesday’s guests have cemented their spot as one of Spain’s real surprise packages this time around.
However, despite travelling to the soon-to-be former champions with just their goal difference keeping them outside the European spots, Jagoba Arrasate’s side saw their top-eight dreams take a major dent here.
Suffering last-gasp heartbreak in the capital, the Pirates have now lost three of their previous four La Liga appearances and they have drastically failed to find any kind of fluidity since returning from March’s international break.
With their fate now firmly out of their own hands, a huge part of Mallorca’s issues has come down to their struggles away from the Estadi Son Moix.
Along with losing their previous three away fixtures by an aggregate score of 4-1, Arrasate’s camp have recorded just a single victory on their travels so far this calendar year.
Match Report
Real Madrid: Courtois, Valverde, Ramon, Asencio, Garcia, Ceballos, Modric, Bellingham, Guler, Endrick, Mbappe
Subs: Gonzalo Garcia, Jesus Vallejo
Mallorca: Roman, Morey, Valjent, Raillo, Copete, Toni Lato, Sanchez, Samu Costa, Darder, Muriqi, Larin
Subs: Dani Rodriguez, Mascarell, Maffeo, Mojica, Marc Domenech
Goals: Real Madrid: Mbappe (68’), Ramon (90+5’) – Mallorca: Valjent (11’)
Yellow Cards: Sanchez, Samu Costa, Maffeo
Red Cards: N/A
Referee: Javier Alberola Rojas
