Mallorca’s blow to Real Madrid ahead of Bayern hands Barcelona a favor in the title race

If there’s ever a worst possible timing for Real Madrid to lose a match, this is it – a defeat against a team fighting to stay in the league, just before facing perhaps the best team in the world. The Royal Club trailed from the first half, managed to equalize and push for a win, but experienced the opposite – conceding a goal in stoppage time and losing points that give Barcelona the chance to pull ahead.

The opening stages were fairly balanced, as both teams showed attacking intent without seriously troubling the goalkeepers. By the 15th minute, there had already been a few promising moves, but neither side managed to create clear-cut chances.

Real Madrid began to grow into the game shortly after. In the 16th minute, Kylian Mbappe caused problems down the left flank and delivered a cross that found Manuel Angel, whose header was comfortably saved by Leo Roman. However, that was just the beginning of a standout performance from the Mallorca goalkeeper.

Roman truly came into the spotlight in the 22nd minute, producing a brilliant save to deny Mbappe's first-time shot. Diving to his right and extending his leg, he managed to push the ball away in spectacular fashion. Just minutes later, he did it again—this time stopping another powerful effort from the French forward aimed at the far post, making it two outstanding saves in quick succession.

Real Madrid continued to press, and in the 33rd minute, Arda Guler nearly broke the deadlock after a defensive mistake by Costa. The young midfielder struck a fine volley at the far post, but once again Roman reacted superbly, keeping the score level with yet another impressive stop.

Mallorca, however, were far from passive. In the 35th minute, they came closest to scoring when Muriqi found himself one-on-one in the box after a brilliant first touch, only for Antonio Rudiger to intervene at the last possible moment and prevent what looked like a certain goal.

The breakthrough finally came in the 42nd minute, and it was Mallorca who struck. A well-delivered cross from Maffeo on the right found Morlanes unmarked inside the box. Taking advantage of some passive defending from Real Madrid’s center-backs, he controlled the ball brilliantly and finished from close range, leaving Andriy Lunin with no chance.

Real Madrid started the half looking for an equalizer. In the 53rd minute, Mbappe cut inside and sent a cross-shot narrowly wide, failing to find a teammate in the box. Mallorca then slowed the game down, with Roman preparing for a free kick while his team ran down the clock.

Just two minutes later, Mbappe had another chance, cutting in from the left and unleashing a powerful shot, only to be brilliantly denied by Roman’s foot. The Frenchman was heavily involved in Real Madrid’s attacking play, but the Mallorca goalkeeper continued to shine, keeping his team in the lead.

Mallorca also had their moments on the counter. In the 66th minute, Luvumbo delivered a dangerous cross after beating Rudiger on the right, but no Mallorca player could reach it, though he remained one of their standout performers in the half.

Real Madrid struggled to break down the home defense. In the 75th minute, Vinicius was stopped by Maffeo, who successfully contained him and allowed Roman to claim the ball. Shortly after, in the 78th minute, Tchouameni tried a tame effort from the edge of the box, which sailed wide.

As the clock ticked down, Roman, already on a yellow card, deliberately took his time to resume play, while Demichelis prepared his final substitution with just over ten minutes remaining.

With just 2 minutes left, Real Madrid equalizes! Out of nowhere, the visitors drew level when a corner delivery found Eder Militao, who headed brilliantly past Roman to make it 1–1.

What an eruption at Mallorca’s stadium! In the stoppage time, the home team takes the lead against Real Madrid, 2–1, after Muriqi received the ball inside the box, controlled it brilliantly, and fired it under the crossbar to put his team ahead.

LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 30

Friday

Rayo Vallecano - Elche 1-0 (0-0)

/Nteka 74/

Saturday

Sociedad - Levante 2-0 (1-0)

/Martin 30, Mendez 83/

Mallorca - Real Madrid 2-1 (1-0)

/Morlanes 42, Muriqi 90+1 - Militao 88/

19.30: (1.73) Betis (3.60) Espanyol (5.10)

22.00: (3.00) Atletico Madrid (3.95) Barcelona (2.25)

Sunday

15.00: (3.10) Getafe (2.80) Athletic Bilbao (2.70)

17.15: (2.35) Valencia (3.20) Celta (3.25)

19.30: (2.85) Oviedo (2.95) Sevilla (2.75)

22.00: (2.50) Alaves (3.15) Osasuna (3.00)

Monday

22.00: (3.15) Girona (3.50) Villarreal (2.35)

***odds are subject to change***