Real Madrid Starting XI Prediction vs. Mallorca for LaLiga’s Matchday 28
LW Vinicius Jr.
After a poor first leg in which he never really stood a chance due to Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical miscalculations, Vinicius Jr. was much stronger in the second half. He played with 100 percent confidence against Achraf Hakimi, tearing apart the former Real Madrid man.
Vinicius could not find a finish, but he did create a goal and provided a constant threat without an overlapping left back. He worked so damn hard, and his dribbling helped Karim Benzema get the space he needed for a historic hat-trick in the second half.
Mallorca stand no chance against Vini Jr. He is a vital starter in the attack near the importance of Benzema, which is huge praise. Expect him to get back on the scoresheet on Monday night at the Iberostar Stadium.
CF Karim Benzema
While Karim Benzema could use some rest, when does the man ever rest? Real Madrid have no faith in the other strikers. Luka Jovic wasn’t even used as a sub against La Real over Mariano Diaz, which shows you where he is in Carlo Ancelotti’s mind.
Benzema’s performance in the Champions League was one for the ages, and the man is also on 20 goals in LaLiga as the clear Pichichi leader. Not only is the best player in his league, but he is also the leading Ballon d’Or candidate after about three months. Benz is a candidate to put three goals past Mallorca on Monday. His scoring form this season is absolutely ridiculous. It seems as if he only gets better with age.
RW Rodrygo Goes
I could see “Mallorca man” getting the start due to his past with the team, his performance against them in the home fixture, and Carlo Ancelotti’s almost disturbing affinity for the player.
But after he dropped a legitimate 0 out of 10 match rating against PSG in the single worst big-game performance I have ever seen from a Real Madrid forward, I cannot bear to write his name as a starter. Go with Rodrygo Goes, whose overall body of work was so instrumental in the six goals Los Blancos scored with him on the pitch these last two important matches. How about Gareth Bale? Or go with Eden Hazard. Hell, Peter Federico! Where has he been?
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Literally anyone but Asensio. I can deal with him as a super-sub, which is a good role for him. But I am done seeing him as a starter. Real Madrid cannot reward a player who provides so little effort and hurts the players around him. He is everything this club is against when it comes to the standard expected. Asensio has no shame. He will point to the badge and hush the crowd, but when it comes to putting everything on the line like his teammates do, he goes quiet. How much does he really care about the badge and his teammates? Actions speak louder than words.
Give me Rodrygo. I know he will put in the work. He’s earned the starts.