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(VIDEO) Late Madrid Thriller vs. Mallorca Keeps Barcelona's Title Party Going

Thriller win for Madrid keeps Barça's title party alive longer

By David Alomoto

Thriller win for Madrid keeps Barça's title party alive longer
Thriller win for Madrid keeps Barça's title party alive longer

The Santiago Bernabéu played host to a captivating LaLiga encounter that went down to the wire, as Real Madrid snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory over a stubborn Mallorca side. The late show, featuring goals from Kylian Mbappé and a last-gasp winner from Jacobo Ramón, ensured that Barcelona FC's recently secured league title celebrations would continue for at least another week. The hard-fought win, orchestrated by Carlo Ancelotti from the Real Madrid dugout against Jagoba Arrasate's well-drilled Mallorca, denied their fierce rivals the immediate satisfaction of sealing the runners-up spot on their home turf.

While the atmosphere within the Bernabéu was undeniably charged, the overarching narrative of the match was inevitably framed by Barcelona's recent coronation as LaLiga champions. Real Madrid, having relinquished their crown, were playing for pride, momentum heading into the final stretch of the season, and the crucial second position in the league standings. Mallorca, under the guidance of Arrasate, arrived in the capital with their own objectives – to solidify their mid-table position and demonstrate their competitiveness against one of Europe's elite.

The match itself proved to be a compelling contest, defying any expectations of a tame affair. Arrasate's Mallorca implemented their tactical blueprint with precision, showcasing their renowned defensive resilience and organizational prowess. For significant periods, they effectively nullified the Real Madrid attack, diligently closing down spaces and limiting clear opportunities for the home side. Their disciplined backline and industrious midfield made life challenging for Real Madrid's forward line, who found themselves tightly marked and with limited room to maneuver.

Mallorca's steadfastness was rewarded in the second half when they drew first blood, silencing the Bernabéu faithful. A well-constructed attacking sequence culminated in a powerful and accurate strike from Martin Valjent, leaving Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin with no chance of making a save. The goal injected a surge of confidence into Mallorca's play, as they intensified their defensive efforts to protect their precious lead. For Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid, the setback served as a catalyst for a more urgent and concerted attacking approach.

Ancelotti responded by making strategic substitutions and tweaking his tactical setup, aiming to inject fresh energy and creativity into his team's forward play. The final quarter of the match transformed into a pulsating end-to-end battle, with Real Madrid throwing numbers forward in a determined search for an equalizer. Mallorca, displaying immense character and defensive discipline, continued to repel the waves of Real Madrid attacks, making crucial blocks and interceptions.

The breakthrough for Real Madrid finally arrived in the 85th minute, courtesy of their superstar forward, Kylian Mbappé. In a moment of individual brilliance, Mbappé collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area, showcasing his exceptional dribbling skills to evade two Mallorca defenders before unleashing a powerful shot that nestled into the back of the net. The Bernabéu erupted in a wave of relief and renewed hope.

But the drama was far from concluding. As the clock ticked into added time, and with Mallorca desperately striving to salvage a point, Real Madrid mounted one final attack. A well-delivered cross into the Mallorca penalty area caused a scramble amongst the defenders. In the ensuing chaos, a deflection off a Mallorca player fell kindly for the young substitute, Jacobo Ramón, who reacted swiftly to slot the ball past the stranded goalkeeper, sparking scenes of wild jubilation amongst the Real Madrid players and supporters.

The referee's whistle blew moments later, confirming Real Madrid's exhilarating 2-1 victory. While the result did not alter the destiny of the LaLiga title, it provided a significant morale boost for Ancelotti's side and ensured their pursuit of the second spot in the league standings would continue until the final whistle of the season. For Barcelona, the late drama unfolding at the Bernabéu meant their championship celebrations could extend for another week, as they avoided witnessing their arch-rivals secure the runners-up position on their own patch.

The match served as a compelling testament to the unpredictable nature of football and the unwavering spirit of both teams. Arrasate's Mallorca, despite the agonizing late defeat, demonstrated their tactical astuteness and their ability to compete fiercely against the top echelons of Spanish football. For Ancelotti's Real Madrid, the victory, while not carrying the weight of a title-deciding clash, underscored their relentless fighting spirit and their knack for snatching victory in the dying moments, even with the league trophy already out of reach. The Bernabéu faithful, while their title aspirations had concluded, were treated to a captivating spectacle that highlighted the enduring rivalry and fervent passion that defines LaLiga.


David Alomoto

David Alomoto

Periodista deportivo con más de 5 años de experiencia en el mercado mexicano, sudamericano y europeo. Cubrí el Mundial de Qatar 2022 y he escrito para el fútbol de Ecuador, México, Colombia, Estados Unidos y España. Me especializo en redacción SEO. He realizado entrevistas a jugadores como Álex Aguinaga, Hugo Sánchez, Henry Martín y entrenadores como Martín Anselmi, entr otros. Además que producido reportajes, crónicas, biografías, etc. Cubro Liga Mexicana, Champions Cup. LigaPro, Champions Leag...

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