The Merengues’ display at Son Moix ended in a rare muted performance, a duel where they managed just a single shot on target and wasted a penalty that could have shifted the tempo. Mallorca capitalized on the visitors’ misfires, and the defeat tightened Real Madrid’s grip on a La Liga title race already tilted by Barcelona, which holds an eight-point advantage at the top of the table.
Real Madrid arrived in Mallorca shorthanded, missing key anchors in defense and attack: Benzema, Militao, and Courtois. Their absence left gaps in goal protection and collective pressure, and the result underscored how heavy a toll those injuries take when the stakes are highest—especially against a Mallorca side intent on disrupting rhythm and exploiting any lapse in precision.
Without Benzema, the goal becomes a scarce commodity and even a penalty is not guaranteed
Highlighting the ongoing scoring drought, the team failed to register a shot on target in the opening half of a La Liga clash with Villarreal—the first time that happened since September 2021. Overall, Real Madrid produced 20 shots, but only one found the target, six were ruled out for various infractions, and thirteen went wide. The frustration was palpable, a sign that finishing becomes a problem when the usual focal point is unavailable.
Adding to the concern, Marco Asensio missed a penalty that could have altered the match’s momentum. It raised questions about set-piece duties, especially since Rodrygo—who had converted three penalties already this season—was not chosen to take the spot kick this time. The team has encountered a wobble in late-game penalties since Sergio Ramos left, missing seven penalties in La Liga after 20 shots, a tally higher than any other club in the league. The pattern suggests a broader issue with composure and selection on high-pressure moments.
Since the World Cup break, Real Madrid has gone through a sequence of six matches with three wins, two losses, and one draw, scoring seven goals in total. Benzema, who did not feature against Mallorca, contributed to six of those matches with four goals and two assists when available, illustrating the influence of his presence even if not always on the scoresheet in every game. The combination of injuries and inconsistent finishing has kept the team from capitalizing when it matters most.
Mallorca masterfully disrupts the white rhythm
Mallorca approached the match with a clear plan: interrupt the visitor’s flow, win fouls, and refocus play through physical pressure. They committed 29 fouls, the highest tally in a single match within the top five European leagues during that period, a dramatic statement of intent that disrupted Real Madrid’s build-up and forced the visitors into hurried decisions. The relentless approach highlighted Mallorca’s willingness to engage in a physical contest and to force errors rather than attempt long-range solutions or patient buildup. This approach paid dividends as the home side managed to stifle Real Madrid’s patterns and dictate tempo for long stretches of the game.
The tactical battle at Son Moix underscored how a disciplined, combative Mallorca can profit from a visitor’s misfires. Real Madrid, hampered by injuries and lacking a clinical finish, found it hard to generate meaningful chances after half-time, while Mallorca’s control in midfield allowed them to sustain pressure and create opportunities of their own. The clash became a testament to the adage that football is a game of moments—one moment of clinical precision, one moment of misfortune, and the balance can shift decisively.
Ultimately, the contest crowned Mallorca as the sharper side on the day, seizing opportunities and enforcing a pace that Real Madrid struggled to match. The result added a fresh layer to the season’s storyline: injuries and a lack of a proven goal threat can bend a title chase, particularly when a rival is willing to fight to the last whistle and to press relentlessly in defense of every possession. The match at Son Moix will be remembered for Mallorca’s physical aggression, the visitors’ finishing struggles, and the quiet confirmation that Real Madrid must recalibrate quickly if they hope to keep Barcelona within striking distance in the standings.
Citation: Goal