1 Mallorca vs 1 Real Madrid
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|---|---|
| Bet | Real Madrid |
| Stake | 1.5 unit |
| Odds | 1.5 |
| Bookmaker | bet365 |
Real Madrid to begin title defence in trip to Mallorca.
RCD Mallorca, under new management, will test their pre-season momentum against defending champions Real Madrid at Estadi Mallorca Son Moix this Sunday, as the La Liga 2024-2025 campaign kicks off with a much-anticipated showdown.
Mallorca
Mallorca, in their fourth successive season in the top flight, will kickstart their 2024-2025 campaign against defending champions Real Madrid this weekend after a fifteenth-place finish last term.
Los Piratas parted ways with Javier Aguirre in May 2024, having secured league safety after the 65-year-old Mexican led them to their first final since 2003, where they narrowly lost on penalties to Athletic Club. Aguirre’s departure opened the door for Jagoba Arrasate, who arrived from Osasuna and now looks to build on that foundation while hoping to steer Mallorca towards a stronger finish this season.
Arrasate's men are in impressive form, having won six of their seven pre-season friendlies, with a 1-1 draw against Bologna being the only exception. They aim to carry this momentum into their game against Madrid.
Mallorca have made three signings this summer, bringing in Johan Mojica from Villarreal for €2 million while also acquiring Takuma Asano and Mateu Morey on free transfers from VfL Bochum and Borussia Dortmund, respectively. The team's biggest departure has been goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic, who has moved to the Saudi Pro League for €8 million.
A 4—2—3—1 could be seen against Madrid, with Vedat Muriqi in attack.
Real Madrid
Fresh off their midweek UEFA Super Cup triumph over Atalanta (2-0), Real Madrid aim to carry their impressive form onto the domestic front as they kick off their league title defence away against Mallorca.
New acquisition Kylian Mbappe, who joined his dream club this summer, had a perfect start in a Madrid shirt, scoring the second goal to seal the victory over Atalanta on his competitive debut for the club. This secured a record sixth UEFA Super Cup trophy for Madrid and a first European trophy for Mbappe.
Brazilian youngster Endrick also joined the team, following his €48.5 million signing from Palmeiras. Last season, the team cruised through the league, accruing 95 points, 10 points clear of arch-rivals Barcelona.
Last season's La Liga Player of the Year, Jude Bellingham, will be looking to prove his mettle again after an impressive debut season. Vinícius Júnior, 2024 Ballon d'Or favourite, will also be looking to continue his impressive form from last season. However, the 15-time UCL winners will be without Toni Kroos, who is now retired.
Real Madrid will be looking to start off with a win as they look to secure back-to-back league titles for the first time since 1989–1990. "It's always been difficult for us against Mallorca, and we’ll have to fight to win the game," said Carlo Ancelotti, who is expected to field Vinícius, Rodrygo, and Mbappe in attack when he deploys the 4-3-3.
Team form
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