Sport

Real Madrid's Dramatic Comeback: Defeating Mallorca 2-1

2025-08-30

Author: Charlotte

A Thrilling Encounter at Santiago Bernabéu

In a captivating clash at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid fought back from an initial setback to secure a 2-1 victory over Mallorca. After the visitors took an early lead, Arda Güler and Vinícius Júnior played pivotal roles, sealing the win and marking Madrid's third consecutive triumph in the league season.

Standout Performers: Precision and Impact

Éder Militão showcased his defensive prowess, finishing with an impressive 93.6% pass completion rate. His counterpart, Álvaro Carreras, followed closely behind at 91.2%, while Dani Ceballos recorded 88.2%. Mallorca's Samú Costa also made a mark, achieving 93.3%.

Mastering the Build-Up Play

Dean Huijsen was instrumental in Madrid's offensive strategy, attempting an astonishing 28 progressive passes—the highest in the match. With 75 touches and four ball recoveries, his xT gain of 1.765 highlighted his vital contributions, consistently pushing Madrid into threatening positions.

Arda Güler: Efficiency Meets Creativity

Arda Güler emerged as a key attacking force, completing 90.5% of his passes while effectively hallmarked by his 10 progressive carries and 32 touches in the final third. His goal not only secured three points for Madrid but also underscored his growing influence on the pitch.

Vinícius Júnior: The Game Changer

Vinícius Júnior continued to be a thorn in Mallorca's side with his blistering pace and relentless energy. With 14 progressive carries and 55 touches in advanced positions, he proved crucial in Madrid's attack, capped by his decisive second goal that clinched the comeback.

Mallorca's Struggles Amidst Sparks of Brilliance

While Mallorca showed flashes of potential, particularly through Marash Kumbulla and Manu Morlanes, who both achieved double figures in progressive passes, they were ultimately outmatched. The visitors' goalkeeper, Leo Román, managed a commendable 0.715 xT gain, illustrating some moments of brilliance despite the overall defeat.

A Strong Start for Madrid

This win not only propels Real Madrid to the top of the league standings but also reinforces their status as formidable contenders this season. With contributions from both seasoned veterans and emerging stars, the team is poised for success as they look to build on this early momentum.