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Rodrygo, Camavinga to return: How Real Madrid could line up against RCD Mallorca
After securing a memorable comeback win over Paris Saint-Germain in midweek, Real Madrid will travel to Son Moix on Monday to face RCD Mallorca, hoping to maintain their excellent form in La Liga.
Los Blancos currently have a healthy eight-point lead at the top of the league table, with very little signs of a potential late surge from second-placed Sevilla.
But there should be no room for complacency for Carlo Ancelotti’s men, up against a Mallorca side coming on the back of four successive defeats. Real Madrid had thumped Mallorca 6-1 in the reverse fixture and the Whites will be confident of their chances of repeating the feat.
Defence
Given the gruelling midweek action against PSG, Carlo Ancelotti must be careful of potential fatigue issues arising in the team. It won’t be surprising to see the Italian ringing in a couple of changes, as he keeps one eye on the gargantuan El Clasico next weekend.
Thibaut Courtois has been a mainstay in between the Real Madrid goal and has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe. He remains a guaranteed starter this weekend, hoping to earn his 12th clean sheet in La Liga this season.
Dani Carvajal remains another guaranteed starter at right-back. Since his return to full fitness, the experienced Spaniard has offered stability and balance to the Real Madrid backline, though there has been a hint of inconsistency in his performances.
In central defence, Ancelotti has no reason to tinker with his tried and tested combination of David Alaba and Eder Militao. The two have developed an excellent partnership, which could go a long way in helping Los Blancos secure another win against Mallorca.
A change could be in order at left-back, as Ferland Mendy returns to contention after serving a suspension in the midweek affair against PSG. His return could be significant for Ancelotti, especially with Marcelo picking up a knock earlier this month.
Midfield
Moving into midfield, Ancelotti might look to ring in the changes, in light of Casemiro’s return after serving suspension in the UCL.
The Brazilian is set to assume his duties in defensive midfield. His ability to mop up loose balls while simultaneously making driving runs forward could be essential in helping Real Madrid stay on top against Mallorca.
Alongside Casemiro, Ancelotti could provide a breather to Luka Modric. Given Eduardo Camavinga’s excellent performance against PSG, the youngster is best placed to replace the Croat in central midfield.
Casemiro and Camavinga are likely to form Real Madrid’s midfield trifecta alongside Federico Valverde. While Toni Kroos is usually a guaranteed option, the German’s recent battle with a hamstring issue could see him being rested ahead of El Clasico next weekend.
Attack
Ancelotti is unlikely to ring in the changes in the attacking unit, considering how well the front three of Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior and Marco Asensio have fared lately.
The combination of Benzema and Vinicius, in particular, could prove to be deadly for a Mallorca side that currently have the second-worst defensive record in La Liga.
Asensio’s place in the side can be argued, as Rodrygo Goes is also pushing for a start. In fact, the Brazilian might just get the nod to feature alongside Benzema and Vinicius to form the front three for Los Blancos on Monday.
The bench
Toni Kroos could be involved in action at some point, especially if Real Madrid fail to take control of the game and dominate Mallorca.
Ancelotti has some useful options in the attack as well, with both Marco Asensio and Eden Hazard hoping to be involved. Gareth Bale is another option, who can add experience and dynamism in the final third.
Real Madrid made a mess of their game against Elche last night, and it is clear that the men in white have several flaws with no answers at the moment.
From being 2-0 up, the men in white bottled their lead and threw the game into jeopardy by permitting Elche to score two goals. The result, as many saw it, was set to end in a draw.
With some persistent attacks in the dying minutes, however, Real Madrid managed to build pressure on Elche and eventually scored one more goal at the death to take home the three points.
Needless to say, however, the negatives from the game far outweigh the positive news of the three points.
Madrid Universal brings you three takeaways from Elche 2-3 Real Madrid.
Another second-half collapse
After Real Madrid’s win over Rayo Vallecano at the weekend, Jose Mourinho stressed the fact that Real Madrid actually played only one half and that the fatigue began showing after the break.
On the night, the opposition began to enjoy more dominance and create chances after half-time as they outran and outpressed Los Blancos to good effect.
Last night was no different, and the second half went completely awry.
The men in white entered the half-time break cruising with a 2-0 lead and significant dominance over the proceedings. They had a massive xG, with Elche barely creating any chances of note.
After the break, however, the entire dynamic of the game changed as Real Madrid took a step back and handed the impetus to the hosts. Pressing high and attacking without fear, Elche dominated Real Madrid for most of the second half and had a staggering 60% of possession.
They scored twice – in the 71st and 83rd minutes – and equalised Real Madrid on the night. Given the visitors’ shambolic display, it was deserved for Elche.
At this point, the constant second-half collapses and fatigue struggles of the team after just 45 minutes of action must worry Jose Mourinho immensely. Heading into a derby away from home, Real Madrid have to do much better.
The away curse continues
While Real Madrid’s form at home has been imperious this season, their form away from home has been equally shocking.
They began their season with a last-minute win over Espanyol, and their second league game of the season on the road came against Real Betis and ended in defeat.
Heading into their third away game last night, there was an element of worry about how they would perform, and the trend continued once more.
Real Madrid did well to take the lead on the night, but they made the second half a massive war and far more difficult than it should have been.
At this point, serious questions have to be raised about Real Madrid’s form on the road and their inability to keep games under control when playing in away stadiums.
Heading forward in the season, Los Blancos have some massive away games coming up against far more difficult opposition. The Madrid derby is up next, and the team’s form is nothing promising heading into that fixture.
Carlos Espi saves the day… again!
Real Madrid are currently on 15 points after six games in the league, but Carlos Espi has directly contributed to a massive chunk of that.
If not for the new Spanish striker’s ability to come up clutch in big moments, Real Madrid could well have been on just 11 points at this stage in the season, and the four points he has added are absolutely crucial.
Against Espanyol, it was Espi who scored a stoppage-time winner to hand Real Madrid all three points after a complicated match. Last night, he repeated the same heroics once more.
With the team staring at a draw, the new signing was at the right place at the right time to bury Kylian Mbappe’s assist in stoppage time, handing Real Madrid all three points at the death.
He may not have played a large part on the night, but his cameo was again powerful and it is clear that he elevates the team’s attack and provides new solutions in front of goal. Espi has already proven his talent, and his ability to perform under pressure is what makes him special.
