What the data shows
On April 4, 2026, Real Madrid faced a surprising defeat against Mallorca, losing 2-1 at Estadi Son Moix. This match raises the question: how did a team struggling against relegation manage to overcome one of the giants of Spanish football?
The answer lies in the performance of Mallorca’s players and the struggles of Real Madrid. Manuel Morlanes opened the scoring for Mallorca before half-time, giving the home team a crucial lead. Despite a late equalizer from Éder Militão in the 88th minute, Vedat Muriqi’s injury-time winner sealed the victory for Mallorca. This defeat marked Real Madrid’s first loss in a month and highlighted their ongoing difficulties against Mallorca, having won only two out of six visits to the island since Mallorca’s promotion in 2019.
Real Madrid’s recent form had been strong, with eight wins and only two losses in their last ten league games. However, the defeat against Mallorca puts them in a precarious position in the title race, especially with FC Barcelona poised to extend their lead. The loss of points means FC Barcelona can pull well clear of Real Madrid on Saturday evening, intensifying the pressure on coach Álvaro Arbeloa, who has now lost five out of 18 games without facing dismissal.
Kylian Mbappé, one of Real Madrid’s star players, registered six shots with an expected goals (xG) of 0.55 during the match, but his efforts were not enough to secure a win. Meanwhile, Vedat Muriqi’s goal was his fifth of the season, showcasing his importance to Mallorca as they strive to avoid relegation. The victory lifted Mallorca out of the relegation zone, a crucial achievement for the team.
This match also raised concerns about Franco Mastantuono, who has not started a game since February 1, 2026, indicating potential issues within Real Madrid’s squad depth and strategy. As the season progresses, the implications of this defeat could be significant for both teams, with Real Madrid needing to regroup quickly to maintain their title challenge.
In summary, Mallorca’s victory over Real Madrid not only highlights their resilience but also poses serious questions about Real Madrid’s title ambitions this season. The ongoing struggles against lower-ranked teams could prove costly as the league approaches its climax.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term impact of this defeat on Real Madrid’s coaching staff and player morale, but the upcoming matches will be crucial for both teams as they navigate the remainder of the season.
