As Real Madrid prepares to face Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday in one of their final La Liga games this season, it marks the start of Carlo Ancelotti`s impending departure from the club.
With only three matches remaining and trailing league leaders Barcelona by seven points, the La Liga title is virtually out of reach for Real Madrid. Consequently, these final games serve as a transitional period for the elite European side. They offer an opportunity to assess the team`s future prospects and reflect on current challenges. Recovering from a fourth and final defeat against Barcelona in El Clasico this season is also a key focus as the domestic campaign concludes.
Despite the title situation, the atmosphere is expected to be celebratory. Ancelotti`s tenure is synonymous with Real Madrid`s success, including three UEFA Champions League titles, establishing him as the competition`s most decorated manager. His goal for these final weeks is clear: “I want to finish the final stretch of this fantastic adventure here well.”
Here`s essential information for tuning in:
How to watch Real Madrid vs. Mallorca, odds
- Date: Wednesday, May 15 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Santiago Bernabeu Stadium — Madrid, Spain
- Live stream: ESPN+
- Odds: Real Madrid -300; Draw +410; Mallorca +700
Last meeting
The most recent encounter between Real Madrid and Mallorca was a straightforward affair in the Spanish Super Cup semifinals in January, with Los Blancos securing a 3-0 victory in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Goals were scored by Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo, alongside an own goal from Martin Valjent.
What Real Madrid are saying
The recent confirmation that Ancelotti will take charge of Brazil for upcoming World Cup qualifiers was not entirely unexpected, given hints he had dropped previously. However, the timing of the formal announcement might not have been ideal.
“If I didn`t have the press conference today, it would be fantastic,” he commented in his pre-match remarks. “There are things I can`t explain right now because I`m at Madrid and I want to respect the shirt.”
He did take time to reflect on the end of his second spell at Real Madrid, suggesting that all successful periods must eventually conclude.
“I never had problems with Real and never will have problems with Real,” he stated. “It`s a club that lives dearly in my heart, but everything in life has a date to end. I couldn`t be Madrid coach for the rest of my life. It comes to an end for many reasons. The club may need a new impetus. I`m not making a big deal out of it. A thousand thanks to this club. And we`ll carry on. I`ll always be a Madrid fan. It`s the end of an era. Spectacular. I never thought I`d coach Madrid for six years, and now it`s happened.”
Ancelotti appears content with his decision, especially considering Real Madrid`s significant success during his two periods at the helm.
“I always kept in mind that one day it ends,” he shared. “I`ve had a great time, and I think everyone has, but there comes a time when it ends. Football is like life; something begins and ends. I`ve had a great time. We`ve won a lot and it will be a memory for life. The day I arrived [for the second time], if they told me I`d win 11 titles in four years, I`d sign it with my own blood. It`s been an unforgettable time.”
Predicted lineups
Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois, Lucas Vazquez, Aurelien Tchouameni, Raul Asencio, Fran Garcia, Dani Ceballos, Federico Valverde, Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe
Mallorca: Dominik Greif, Pablo Maffeo, Martin Valjent, Antonio Raíllo, Johan Mojica, Omar Mascarell, Samu Costa, Takuma Asano, Dani Rodriguez, Sergi Darder, Vedat Muriqi
Player to watch
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid: The focus on Kylian Mbappe has been prominent throughout Real Madrid`s season. Initially seen as crucial to the team`s dominance, he has instead been central to their fluctuating form. The team has experienced an imbalance in attack partly due to their wealth of offensive talent, though not necessarily because Mbappe has been ineffective. He was arguably the sole positive point in the recent Clasico defeat, scoring a hat-trick despite the 4-3 loss. These final weeks present an excellent opportunity for Mbappe to set the tone for the next season, making a strong performance important for the French international.
Storyline to watch
Considering Real Madrid`s future: As Real Madrid prepares to say goodbye to Ancelotti, attention is already shifting to the club`s next chapter. Former Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is widely tipped as Ancelotti`s successor, but this is just one aspect of the changes potentially needed for Real Madrid to challenge for titles next season. The team has shown inconsistencies in attack and defense this campaign, leading many to believe significant squad changes are necessary in the summer transfer window. The upcoming matches could effectively serve as tryouts for players hoping to secure a significant role under the new manager.
Prediction
Despite facing challenges this season, Real Madrid has generally secured wins in the latter half, although sometimes by narrow margins. Mallorca will likely create chances against Real Madrid`s defense, which has appeared vulnerable at times. However, the home side possesses the quality to win this match with relative comfort. The celebratory mood surrounding Ancelotti`s farewell could also provide an emotional lift for Los Blancos as they aim to conclude the season positively. Pick: Real Madrid 2, Mallorca 0
