Real Madrid Faces Mallorca Amid Injury Crisis and Manager Departure

Madrid, Spain — Real Madrid will host Mallorca on Wednesday at 9:30 PM local time at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in a crucial La Liga match, though the stakes are high for other reasons. Following a demoralizing 4-3 defeat to Barcelona, Real Madrid stands seven points behind the league leaders with three games remaining.

Due to injuries, Madrid’s squad is down to just 10 first-team players. Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin injured his right hand in training, while playmaker Brahim Díaz has been diagnosed with a thigh issue. Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that both players will miss the match.

The club faces further challenges as star forward Vinícius Júnior, along with Lucas Vázquez and Aurelien Tchouameni, will also be absent. Tchouameni is serving a suspension due to a yellow card, further limiting Madrid’s options.

Rodrygo‘s status remains uncertain after he expressed discomfort during training on Tuesday. “He had a fever last week, which prevented him from training well. Today he felt some discomfort in his leg,” Ancelotti noted. Speculation surrounds Rodrygo’s commitment, given his recent absences.

The match is pivotal not just for the title aspirations of Madrid but also for Mallorca, who hope to secure a European spot. After winning 2-1 against Real Valladolid last weekend, they sit ninth in La Liga.

Adding to the drama, Ancelotti announced he will leave Real Madrid after this season, and reports suggest that former player Xabi Alonso is lined up to take over. “Everything in life has a date to end. The club may need a new impetus,” Ancelotti reflected.

Madrid began the season as defending champions with hopes of winning multiple trophies but find themselves struggling. Los Blancos are winless in four matches against Barcelona this season, including two league games.

As the season winds down, both teams will be eager for a win. For Madrid, a victory is essential to keep their championship hopes alive, albeit slim, while Mallorca is looking to capitalize on their rivals’ troubles.