Three ways Real Madrid can avenge their loss to Mallorca
By Parshva Shah
Real Madrid suffered its first league loss of the season against RCD Mallorca away from home in October. If they are to maintain winning momentum, revenge is the name of the game on Wednesday night.
Completing a league double over Real Sociedad by claiming a narrow 2-1 victory, Real regained top spot in the league standings, as they are now tied with Barcelona on 65 points, but have the head-to-head advantage over the Catalans.
Real Madrid took advantage of Barcelona’s slip-up against Sevilla and now have a firm grip on the league race.
They are on the hot streak as they have been the best side in Spain since the return of La Liga. They swept aside Eibar, Valencia, and Real Sociedad to make it three wins out of three.
Mallorca is the next challenge; the next final for Los Blancos. Mallorca gave Real Madrid a run for their money as they stunned the Men in White from a solitary goal by Lago Junior at the San Moix.
Real Madrid will have to be wary of their opponents as any points dropped from here on can tilt the title race in Barcelona’s favor.
Here are three ways Los Blancos can avenge their humiliating loss against Mallorca earlier this season.
Start with Eden Hazard
The Belgian left-winger has had an unfortunate debut season with Real Madrid, but he has had two noteworthy performances since the resumption of the league. He was central to the team’s victories against Eibar and Valencia, recording an assist in each game.
Having not played at all against Real Sociedad, Eden Hazard should start the match in attack, although at the expense of the best player of that match, Vinícius Júnior.
Hazard will lead the attack given that Karim Benzema might be rested, having started all the three games. There is no doubt about Eden Hazard’s quality. He can win the match by himself with his decisiveness in the final third.
Perform with the same defensive astuteness
Real Madrid has the best defensive record in La Liga and one of the best in Europe’s top five leagues along with Liverpool. They have conceded just 21 goals in 30 league matches.
Against Real Sociedad, Los Blancos displayed one of their best defensive performances of the season. However, captain Sergio Ramos suffered a knock during a tussle with Sociedad’s Alexander Isak.
Zidane has included him in the squad for the Mallorca game stating that Ramos didn’t injure his knee.
If I had to think what Zidane will do tomorrow, he ill most likely start with Éder Militão in the heart of the defense alongside Raphaël Varane and give Ramos a rest so as to prevent any injuries.
Real Madrid loanee and Japanese sensation Takefusa Kubo has been in astonishing form for Mallorca, and without Casemiro in the squad – who is serving a one-match suspension – Real Madrid will have to consider a no-nonsense approach for their defending.
Play with intensity and desire
No match from here on out is going to be a cakewalk for Zidane’s troops as they will not only have the pressure of not dropping points, but will also have to play against teams fighting against relegation or for a European spot.
Mallorca, who are languishing at 18th place, three points away from safety, will put up a gargantuan fight against Los Blancos. Although all players have shown the desire to perform better with each passing game, let’s not forget the second-half performance by the Merengues against Eibar or the fact that Mallorca have already gotten the better of Real Madrid when they met earlier this season.
In Casemiro and Ramos, Real Madrid have two leaders and players who can turn the tide in Real’s favor, but the former is suspended and the latter will probably be rested.
Toni Kroos has started all the three games as well so he might be afforded some much-needed rest by Zidane.
dark. Next. Three things to look forward to against Mallorca
Real Madrid will have to play with intent and not at all get complacent at any stage of the game, otherwise a lapse in concentration or a defensive blunder can prove very costly.
Mallorca has the worst defensive record in the league, so Real Madrid should comfortably win this game, but they should not underestimate their opponents.