Prediction: Mallorca vs Real Madrid

Prediction: Madrid win

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: 888sport

La Liga football returns this week with another full slate of action from Spanish football’s top tier. Things are looking pretty tight both at the top and the bottom of the table but given that we’re still just coming out of the winter break, many teams are only just getting into a real rhythm. Today, we’ll be taking a look at what should be an interesting clash in the Balearics as RCD Mallorca play host to Real Madrid.

RCD Mallorca

After serving as something of a yo-yo club in Spain, RCD Mallorca are starting to build something for itself in the top tier. They currently sit 10th in the table and while they may be inconsistent, they’re starting to build up a fortress on the island. With a few more wins, alongside some hostile atmosphere, they could be safe far sooner than they have been in years gone by.

Team News

As of this writing, there are no injury or suspension concerns for Mallorca to worry about between now and kick-off.

Real Madrid

The European and domestic champions always knew it would be hard to live up to the expectations set in front of them this season. After all, they did such a phenomenal job of defying the odds last season, that replicating such success is a near-impossible task. Thankfully for them, though, they aren’t that far back from Barcelona in the title race, and they should back themselves to put the pressure on their rivals.

Team News

While nobody is suspended, Vazquez is out with an ankle injury to ensure he joins Alaba and Mendy on the shelf.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in September, Madrid beat Mallorca 4-1.
• Mallorca have won three and lost three of their last six games.
• Madrid have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• Mallorca have scored four goals and conceded four in their last six games.
• Madrid have scored 11 goals and conceded six in their last six games.

Conclusion

Mallorca have built up a nice reputation as a team that’s quite hard to beat at home, and when you combine that with their defensive record, it makes sense that a lot of fans and pundits fancy them to spring a surprise here. We do think Madrid are going to take a while to really get going, but after going into the half time interval at 0-0, they’ll find the goal that opens the game up, eventually leading them down the path of a narrow victory.

Prediction: Madrid win

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: 888sport