Match Preview

Real Madrid return for midweek play against Mallorca at the Di Stefano on Wednesday. A win is needed once again for Real to return to the top of the table alongside Barcelona.

These two clubs met at the Iberostar back in October, which was also Real’s first loss of the season. Mallorca have gone on to have a woeful season and face relegation after getting promoted back to the Primera División this year.

Mallorca have lost twice and drawn once since LaLiga returned to play. Real have been perfect since the return and must continue to be so if they want to capture the league title.

Injuries/Suspensions

Real Madrid remain without Luka Jovic, Lucas Vazquez and Nacho due to injury. Isco is back in the squad for Wednesday.

Mallorca will be without fullback Leonardo Koutris.

Casemiro will miss this match with suspension after picking up a fifth yellow card against Sociedad over the weekend.

Potential XIs

Real Madrid

Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Militão, Mendy; Modric, Valverde, Kroos; Rodrygo, Hazard, Benzema

Sergio Ramos is in the matchday squad, however Zidane may opt to give him rest after he had a knock against Sociedad.

With Casemiro suspended, Valverde is the logical replacement in the defensive midfield position.

Eden Hazard did not start against La Real, he will likely start against Mallorca. Rodrygo could be the choice on the opposite wing since Gareth Bale has not been given any start yet.

Mallorca

Reina; Pozo, Valjent, Raillo, Sastre; Rodríguez, Pedraza, Sevilla, Junior; Hernández, Budimir

Prediction

Real Madrid—Mallorca 3-0

Los Blancos find themselves in another must-win situation after Barcelona defeated Athletic on Tuesday. Real will also want to redeem themselves after losing earlier this season to Mallorca.

Despite their position in the league table, Mallorca are capable of beating Real Madrid if they are not careful as they have proven once this season already. Real must take this match seriously if they hope to get three points and continue rolling.

Karim Benzema has been in fantastic form since the league restart and will be called upon again to continue his hot streak.

Real may also see loanee Takefusa Kubo at some point in this match, which is another piece of intrigue. He’s started all three matches since Mallorca has returned to play.

This is an important match for Real Madrid and not just an ‘easy win.’ They must take it seriously and play their best to secure a win and continue keeping up with Barcelona.