Team Form: Mallorca
Mallorca’s most recent league match ended in an away defeat to Elche (1:2). Although the home team opened the scoring, they could have snatched a draw right at the end if they had converted a penalty. As a result, the islanders have lost five of their last seven La Liga matches, and in that spell the side have managed just one win — a home victory over Espanyol (2:1). Most importantly, the club lost to a direct rival in the battle for survival. Instead of increasing — or at least preserving — their previous gap to the relegation zone, Mallorca quickly dropped back to 18th in the standings.
- The team have conceded in 14 straight La Liga matches.
- The islanders’ uncompromising home run in this competition has lasted seven games (four wins, three defeats).
- Ten of Mallorca’s previous 12 La Liga matches have gone over the total.
Potential Mallorca Lineup (4-2-3-1)*
Leo Roman – Antonio Josabeed, Martin Valjent, Antonio Raillo, Toni Lato – Samu Costa, Omar Mascarell – Mateo Joseph, Pablo Torre, Zito Luvumbo – Vedat Muriqi.
Defender Johan Mojica and forward Jan Virgili have served their suspensions.
Team Form: Real Madrid
Before heading into a short break, Real Madrid claimed a comeback win in a home derby against Atletico (3:2). Real Madrid were behind at half-time, but managed to turn the game around and held on to their advantage despite a red card 15 minutes before the end. That saw the team take three points for a third straight league round, although they have not kept a clean sheet once during that run. Overall, the Madrid side have conceded in six consecutive La Liga matches, but they still remain the most reliable club in the competition. In total, Real Madrid have conceded 26 goals since the start of the season. The team are second in the standings and trail Barcelona by four points.
- The Madrid side have scored in 12 of their last 13 La Liga games.
- The club’s uncompromising run in this competition has reached 15 matches (12 wins, three defeats).
- Five of Real Madrid’s previous six La Liga matches have gone over the total.
Potential Real Madrid Lineup (4-4-2)*
Andriy Lunin – Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen, Fran Garcia – Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch, Arda Guler, Federico Valverde – Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Junior.
First-choice midfielder Federico Valverde is serving a suspension. Forward Rodrygo, defender Ferland Mendy and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will miss the match through injury. The involvement of midfielder Dani Ceballos is in doubt.
* For each team, the starting XI from their last match in this competition is listed.
