What happens when a struggling team faces a giant? On April 4, 2026, Mallorca answered this question emphatically by defeating Real Madrid 2-1 at Estadi Son Moix. This unexpected result not only marked Real Madrid’s first defeat in a month but also had significant implications for both teams in the ongoing La Liga season.
The match began with Mallorca taking the lead when Manuel Morlanes scored the opening goal just before half-time. This early advantage set the tone for the match, as Mallorca aimed to secure a vital win to escape the relegation zone. Real Madrid, on the other hand, was under pressure to maintain their position in the title race, making the stakes even higher.
As the game progressed, Real Madrid struggled to find their rhythm. Despite a late equalizer from Éder Militão in the 88th minute, which seemed to give the visitors a glimmer of hope, Mallorca responded dramatically. In injury time, Vedat Muriqi scored the winning goal, sealing a memorable victory for Mallorca and leaving Real Madrid reeling from the defeat.
This loss was particularly significant for Real Madrid, as it put them in a precarious position in the title race. The defeat allowed FC Barcelona the opportunity to pull ahead in the standings, intensifying the pressure on Real Madrid and their coach, Álvaro Arbeloa. Notably, Arbeloa became the first Real Madrid coach to lose five out of 18 games without being dismissed, raising questions about the team’s direction.
Historically, Real Madrid has struggled against Mallorca in recent years, with only two victories in their last six visits since Mallorca’s promotion in 2019. This trend continued to haunt them, as they have now won only two out of six matches at this venue. The defeat also highlighted Real Madrid’s inconsistency, as they have won eight and lost two of their last ten league games, indicating a troubling pattern.
In terms of individual performances, Kylian Mbappé registered six shots with an expected goals (xG) value of 0.55 during the match, but he was unable to convert any of those opportunities into goals. Meanwhile, Franco Mastantuono, who has not started a game since February 1, 2026, continues to be a concern for the team, reflecting deeper issues within the squad.
As Mallorca celebrated their crucial victory, they moved out of the relegation zone, a significant boost for their morale and standing in the league. The win not only provided them with three vital points but also showcased their resilience against a top-tier opponent. For Real Madrid, however, the road ahead looks challenging as they must regroup and address their shortcomings if they hope to remain competitive in the title race.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the immediate future of coach Álvaro Arbeloa and the strategic changes that may be implemented following this defeat. The upcoming matches will be critical for both teams as they navigate the complexities of the La Liga season.