Prediction: Real Madrid vs Mallorca

Verdict: Total goals over 2.5

Best odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Real Madrid aim to start 2024 on a high note as they prepare to face Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabeu in Wednesday’s La Liga fixture.

Currently sharing the top spot with the surprise package Girona, Los Blancos will seek to maintain their position, while Mallorca enter the new year positioned 14th in the league standings.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid are pushing for their 36th La Liga title, showing resilience despite numerous injuries. The team has been exceptional, securing 14 wins, three draws, and just one loss in 18 league matches so far. Their impressive performances in the Champions League group stage also contributed to Carlo Ancelotti’s contract extension until June 2026, dispelling rumors linking him to the Brazil managerial role.

In their final 2023 game against Alaves, Real Madrid exhibited great determination, overcoming Nacho’s red card to claim a last-gasp victory through Lucas Vazquez’s header. The triumph extended their unbeaten streak to 17 matches across all competitions (14 wins, 3 draws), and they boast the most clean sheets in La Liga this season, tallying nine.

Entering the new year, the 14-time European champions will commence their campaign at their iconic home, where they’ve secured 10 victories out of 11 competitive matches this season, including triumphs in their last five fixtures there.

Team News

Real Madrid continue to cope with injuries, with Thibaut Courtois, David Alaba, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, and Eduardo Camavinga all unavailable for the upcoming game. However, Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior are poised to return, although the Brazilian winger may not start as a precaution.

Arda Guler, who has been hindered by injuries since joining Real last summer, could potentially make his debut appearance, likely being included in the substitute lineup. With Nacho suspended for a match, Ancelotti may field Aurelien Tchouameni in a makeshift role alongside Antonio Rudiger in central defence.

Mallorca

Mallorca’s recent form has been promising, culminating in an unbeaten six-game run across all competitions to close out 2023 (with three wins and three draws). This streak started with draws against Cadiz and Alaves and progressed with a victory over fourth-tier Valle Agues in the Copa del Rey.

Their successes continued with a noteworthy win over Sevilla in La Liga, their first league triumph since September, followed by draws against Almeria and an impressive 3-2 victory against Osasuna, where Matija Nastasic, Dani Rodriguez, and Antonio Raillo found the net.

This resurgence has helped Mallorca create a five-point buffer above the relegation zone, significantly enhancing their chances of prolonging their stay in the top flight for a fourth consecutive season.

Although Mallorca have fond memories of a 1-0 home win over Real Madrid in February, repeating such a feat against Los Blancos at the Santiago Bernabeu is likely to prove a daunting task. Their record shows seven consecutive away losses against Real Madrid since a 3-1 win in May 2009.

Team News

Head coach Javier Aguirre still cannot count on defender Martin Valjent and forward Vedat Muriqi due to their ongoing injury problems.

In light of Jaume Costa’s suspension, a result of accumulating yellow cards, Toni Lato might step into the team after overcoming an injury that sidelined him for the last two matches.

Omar Mascarell, a former Real Madrid player, missed the recent victory against Osasuna due to an injury. However, he stands a chance of making a return in time to feature in Mallorca’s midfield.

Conclusion

Mallorca’s form has been good, but their unbeaten run is very likely to come to an end in the Spanish capital. The game will likely be very open, with Real seeking to settle the outcome as soon as possible.

Verdict: Total goals over 2.5

Best odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: ZetBet