What the data shows
In a shocking turn of events, Mallorca triumphed over Real Madrid with a 2-1 victory on April 4, 2026, at LaLiga Estadi Mallorca Son Moix. This unexpected result raises the question: how did a struggling Mallorca manage to defeat one of the league’s giants?
The answer lies in Mallorca’s desperate need for points, as they were languishing in the relegation zone with only 28 points after 29 games. Their last match had ended in a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Elche, but this time they showed resilience and determination. As one commentator noted, “This win took 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, came into this match riding a wave of momentum, having won their last three LaLiga games. However, they were missing key players, including Thibaut Courtois, who was ruled out due to injury, and Federico Valverde, who was suspended. These absences proved costly as Real Madrid struggled to maintain their usual dominance on the pitch.
Despite their recent form, Real Madrid’s defense has been shaky, failing to keep a clean sheet in six consecutive LaLiga games, their longest run without one since October 2022. This vulnerability was evident against Mallorca, who capitalized on defensive lapses to secure their victory.
With this defeat, Real Madrid now finds themselves four points behind Barcelona in the league standings, raising questions about their title aspirations. Furthermore, this loss marked a troubling milestone for coach Alvaro Arbeloa, who became the first Real Madrid coach to lose five out of 18 games without facing dismissal.
For Mallorca, this victory was a much-needed boost, as they have struggled with form, recording only one win in their last seven LaLiga outings prior to this match. Their points tally of 28 is the lowest after 29 games since the 2021-22 season, highlighting the urgency of their situation.
The match kicked off at 10:15 EST and 15:15 GMT, and it was a thrilling encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Mallorca’s last eight home league matches had seen both teams score in seven of them, and this match continued that trend.
As the season progresses, the implications of this match will be felt across LaLiga. Mallorca’s victory has provided them with a lifeline, while Real Madrid must regroup quickly to avoid further slip-ups. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the recovery timelines for Courtois and Valverde, but their absence will continue to loom large as the season approaches its climax.
