Real Madrid have had a disappointing season on the pitch. They lost the Copa del Rey final and the Spanish Super Cup to arch-rivals Barcelona. To that list was added a fourth defeat in the most recent Clasico, which all but sealed the fight for La Liga. The Merengues failed to step up in the key games and have shown a lack of decisiveness in crucial moments. Now, Los Blancos will host Mallorca at the Bernabéu, with the pressure on them not to fail. If they stumble and Barcelona beat Espanyol, the title could be decided on the following matchday.
Militao (Injured), Alaba (Injured), Rudiger (Injured), Dani Carvajal (Injured), Mendy (Injured), Tchouameni (Suspended), Vinicius Jr (injured, Vazquez (Injured) and Camavinga (Injured) are set to miss this game for Madrid. Let us take a look at the predicted playing XI of Real Madrid for this game.
4-2-3-1 Real Madrid Predicted Starting Lineup Against Mallorca:
Defense:
Carlo Ancelotti will have to improvise with a completely new defence to face Mallorca. With Carvajal, Militao, Rüdiger, Mendy and Lucas Vázquez out through injury, the coach will move players around. Valverde will play at right-back, a position he has already occupied previously. In the centre, Asencio and the young Ramón will form an unprecedented duo. Both have no experience together, but the coach does not have any other options. Fran García will occupy the left-back position. Ancelotti is relying on his speed and stamina. Although the backline does not transmit security, they will try to resist against a Mallorca team that does not forgive if they find space near the opponent’s area.
Midfield:
In midfield, Ancelotti will go for balance and control, as Modric will play as a defensive midfielder, accompanied by Dani Ceballos. Both will have the responsibility of covering space and distributing the ball with precision. The absence of Tchouameni through suspension and Camavinga through injury leaves the veterans as the only ones available in that area. Up front, Jude Bellingham will be deployed as a playmaker, where he usually creates chances with his runs into the box. Ancelotti will give him the freedom to get into the box and link up with the wingers. The coach expects the Englishman to take responsibility in this game.
Attack:
In attack, the absences are evident as well. With Vinicius Jr. out through injury and Rodrygo out of rhythm after recovering from illness, Ancelotti will opt for a different trident. Brahim Díaz will occupy the right flank. Mbappé, getting back to his best since his arrival, will play on the left. Endrick will be the centre-forward, with the pressure on him to respond despite his age and lack of game time. The departing manager would want to give the Madrid fans an idea about how the three complement each other, especially with Bellingham supporting from the back. There is no margin for error, and although the attacking front looks makeshift, they will have to work if the team are to stay alive in the title race, and hope Barcelona lose all their three matches.
