Vedat Muriqi scores late as relegation-threatened Mallorca beat Real Madrid 2-1, dealing a major blow to their LaLiga title hopes ahead of a key clash Champions League with Bayern.
Real Madrid suffered a damaging setback in their La Liga title race after a dramatic 2-1 defeat to RCD Mallorca. A stoppage-time strike from Vedat Muriqi sealed a famous win for the relegation threatened hosts. The loss dents Madrid’s title hopes and shifts pressure firmly onto their remaining LaLiga fixtures.
Real Madrid began the match on the front foot and created several early chances. Kylian Mbappe looked particularly dangerous, testing goalkeeper Leo Roman multiple times throughout the first half. The Mallorca shot-stopper produced a series of sharp saves, including a vital block with his leg. Arda Guler also tried his luck from distance, but Roman remained alert.
Despite Madrid’s dominance, Mallorca gradually found their rhythm in front of a lively home crowd. The hosts threatened sporadically, with Muriqi involved in their attacking play. One early opportunity went begging when Manu Morlanes headed over from close range. However, that miss would soon be forgotten.
Mallorca took the lead in the 41st minute with a well-worked move. Pablo Maffeo delivered a precise cross into the box, and Morlanes timed his run perfectly. He controlled the ball calmly before finishing into the bottom corner. The goal, Mallorca’s first real chance, stunned Madrid, who had controlled large parts of the half.
The visitors pushed for an immediate response but lacked cutting edge in the final third. Mbappe continued to threaten, yet Roman’s performance kept Mallorca ahead. The home side entered the break with a valuable 1-0 lead, despite limited chances.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Madrid dominating possession. Manager Alvaro Arbeloa introduced fresh legs, including Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, to spark a comeback. The pressure gradually increased as Mallorca dropped deeper.
Madrid finally found their equaliser in the 88th minute. Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered a dangerous corner into the box. Eder Militao rose above the defence and powered a header into the net. It marked a strong return for the defender after injury and seemed to rescue a point. However, Madrid’s celebration was short-lived.
Just when Madrid looked set to salvage a draw, Mallorca struck again in stoppage time. A quick counter-attack caught the visitors off guard. Substitute Mateo Joseph played a smart pass into Muriqi’s path. The striker fired across goal and into the net, sparking wild celebrations.
The goal marked Muriqi’s 19th league strike of the season, underlining his consistency. Mallorca’s efficiency proved decisive, as they punished Madrid despite having fewer chances.
Mbappe was Madrid’s most dangerous player but lacked the finishing touch. Roman stood out for Mallorca with several decisive saves throughout the match. Morlanes’ composed finish made a key impact heading into the break after earlier missing a clear chance.
However, the defining moment belonged to Muriqi after Militao’s late equaliser seemed to rescue a point for Madrid. The forward showed composure and power when it mattered most. His late strike not only secured a vital victory that could change Mallorca’s season.
Real Madrid registered 15 shots compared to Mallorca’s six attempts. The expected goals were closely matched, Mallorca had 1.22xG while Real Madrid had 1.27xG, showing how clinical the hosts were. Both teams created two big chances, but Mallorca converted theirs more effectively.
The defeat leaves Madrid trailing in the title race, with rivals Barcelona playing later in the day. Meanwhile, Mallorca move further clear of the relegation zone with a vital three points.
Real Madrid now turn their focus to the Champions League, where they face Bayern Munich in the quarter-final first leg. The first leg takes place in midweek. Domestically, they will look to bounce back against Girona in their next league match as they attempt to revive their title challenge. The gap to leaders Barcelona could widen further.
Mallorca, meanwhile, move two points clear of the relegation zone. They will look to build on this momentum when they host Rayo Vallecano. This result could prove pivotal at both ends of the table.
