After finishing 2023 at the top of the La Liga table, Real Madrid will be aiming to assert themselves during the latter half of the season.
Carlo Ancelotti's team has much at stake, and their 2024 campaign commences on Wednesday evening at their home ground against a resurgent Mallorca. The visiting team has accumulated only 18 points this season, but half of those came in their recent five matches.
Madrid's impressive performance in the first half of the 2023/24 season was even more remarkable considering their injury setbacks. Despite dealing with several key absences, Ancelotti's team has suffered only one defeat across all competitions.
Despite the long-term injuries to Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao, Madrid possess La Liga's most resilient defence, and the acquisition of Jude Bellingham has helped offset Karim Benzema's departure to Saudi Arabia.
Real Madrid vs Mallorca Prediction:
It has been a couple of weeks since Real Madrid last played, so we might anticipate a bit of rustiness, especially against a team like Mallorca, who will simply try to limit the hosts.
Aguirre will permit his team to give up space and control, aiming to annoy Madrid. Ancelotti's team has displayed some susceptibility to such tactics this season, but they have almost always managed to accomplish the task.
A dazzling performance shouldn't be anticipated from Madrid on Wednesday, but it's difficult to imagine them not securing a victory.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-0 Mallorca
Real Madrid vs Mallorca Head-to-head:
Real Madrid and RCD Mallorca have previously locked horns 70 times, with Los Blancos having a favourable head-to-head record with 42 wins (D12 L16). But the most recent fixture ended in a shock 1-0 victory for Mallorca. But that is their only success in five meetings, with Real Madrid comfortably winning the other four games.
Real Madrid vs Mallorca Team News
Real Madrid are undoubtedly experiencing an improvement in their squad's fitness, as Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Carvajal, and Vinicius Junior are all nearing their return. This trio may be strategically rested for the imminent Spanish Super Cup.
The home team will be without the suspended Nacho Fernandez, posing a dilemma for Ancelotti in selecting a centre-back, given that both Eder Militao and David Alaba have been sidelined for an extended period.
Ferland Mendy is also expected to be unavailable, but this could pave the way for Arda Guler to finally make an appearance in La Liga.
On the other hand for Mallorca, Jaume Costa is suspended for the journey to the capital due to the accumulation of yellow cards. His absence might compel Javier Aguirre to reconsider, given Mallorca's limited options for wing-backs on the left side.
Omar Mascarell, Martin Valjent, and Toni Lato are expected to recover from their injuries in January, but it's probable that Wednesday's match will be too early for their return.
There's uncertainty surrounding Vedat Muriqi due to an ankle problem, casting doubt on his availability.