What the data shows
In a surprising turn of events, Mallorca triumphed over Real Madrid with a 2-1 victory on April 4, 2026, at LaLiga Estadi Mallorca Son Moix. This match raised questions about Real Madrid’s title aspirations and Mallorca’s fight against relegation.
Mallorca entered the match in the LaLiga relegation zone, having accumulated only 28 points after 29 games. Their recent form had been concerning, with only one win in their last seven LaLiga outings. In contrast, Real Madrid had been on a winning streak, having secured victories in their last three league matches prior to this encounter.
The stakes were high for both teams. Mallorca’s last match had ended in a 2-1 defeat to Elche, and they desperately needed points to escape the relegation zone. The victory against Real Madrid not only provided a much-needed boost but also highlighted their determination, as noted by an observer who stated, “This win taking them out of the relegation zone, and it showed that they were the side who wanted to win more as they fought every loose ball.”
Real Madrid, on the other hand, faced significant challenges. They were missing key players, including goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who was ruled out due to injury, and Federico Valverde, who was suspended for the match. These absences were felt on the pitch, as Real Madrid struggled to maintain their defensive solidity, having not kept a clean sheet in six consecutive La Liga games, their longest run without one since October 2022.
The match kicked off at 10:15 EST (15:15 GMT) and saw Mallorca take the lead early. Despite their struggles this season, Mallorca’s performance was commendable, with their points tally of 28 being their lowest after 29 games since the 2021-22 season. This victory against Real Madrid marked a significant achievement for the team, which had previously only managed one clean sheet in their last seven matches.
For Real Madrid, the defeat was a setback in their pursuit of the LaLiga title, as they now find themselves four points behind Barcelona in the league standings. Coach Alvaro Arbeloa faced criticism, becoming the first Real Madrid coach to reach 18 games with five losses without being dismissed. The pressure is mounting as the team navigates the final stretch of the season.
As the season progresses, both teams will have to address their respective challenges. Mallorca must build on this victory to ensure their survival in LaLiga, while Real Madrid needs to regroup and refocus to close the gap on Barcelona. The outcome of this match has left fans and analysts alike eager to see how both teams will respond in their upcoming fixtures.
