Carlo Ancelotti is set to oversee one of his final matches at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Wednesday as Real Madrid plays host to Mallorca in La Liga.
With the league title virtually out of reach—Real Madrid trails league leaders Barcelona by seven points with just three games remaining—these upcoming fixtures represent a transitional period for the European giants. These games will offer insights into the team`s future direction and provide an opportunity to assess current squad dynamics. A key aim will also be to recover form following a recent fourth defeat in the season`s El Clasico as the domestic campaign concludes.
Despite the league situation, the atmosphere is likely to be celebratory. Ancelotti is closely linked with Real Madrid`s recent successes, having won three UEFA Champions League titles with the club, making him the most decorated manager in the competition`s history. His stated objective for his final weeks is clear: “I want to finish this fantastic adventure here well.”
Here is essential information before the match:
Match Details and Odds
- Date: Wednesday, May 15
- Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Santiago Bernabeu Stadium — Madrid, Spain
- Live stream: ESPN+
- Odds: Real Madrid -300; Draw +410; Mallorca +700
Previous Encounter
The last meeting between Real Madrid and Mallorca was a relatively straightforward affair. Los Blancos secured a 3-0 victory in the Spanish Super Cup semifinals in January. Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo were on the scoresheet, complemented by an own goal from Martin Valjent.
What Real Madrid`s Camp is Saying
News confirming Ancelotti`s move to manage Brazil after his Real Madrid tenure wasn`t entirely surprising, though its official timing might not have been optimal. Ancelotti himself has hinted at his departure in recent weeks.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he remarked on the announcement timing: “If I didn`t have the press conference today, it would be fantastic. There are things I can`t explain right now because I`m at Madrid and I want to respect the shirt.”
He also reflected on the conclusion of his second spell at the club, acknowledging that even great things must end.
“I never had problems with Real and never will have problems with Real,” he stated. “It`s a club that lives dearly in my heart, but everything in life has a date to end. I couldn`t be Madrid coach for the rest of my life. It comes to an end for many reasons. The club may need a new impetus. I`m not making a big deal out of it. A thousand thanks to this club. And we`ll carry on. I`ll always be a Madrid fan. It`s the end of an era. Spectacular. I never thought I`d coach Madrid for six years, and now it`s happened.”
Ancelotti seems at peace with his decision, particularly given the considerable success Real Madrid has achieved during his time at the helm.
“I always kept in mind that one day it ends,” he said. “I`ve had a great time, and I think everyone has, but there comes a time when it ends. Football is like life; something begins and ends. I`ve had a great time. We`ve won a lot and it will be a memory for life. The day I arrived [for the second time], if they told me I`d win 11 titles in four years, I`d sign it with my own blood. It`s been an unforgettable time.”
Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois, Lucas Vazquez, Aurelien Tchouameni, Raul Asencio, Fran Garcia, Dani Ceballos, Federico Valverde, Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe
Mallorca: Dominik Greif, Pablo Maffeo, Martin Valjent, Antonio Raíllo, Johan Mojica, Omar Mascarell, Samu Costa, Takuma Asano, Dani Rodriguez, Sergi Darder, Vedat Muriqi
Player to Watch
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid: Kylian Mbappe has often been a central figure throughout Real Madrid`s season, initially seen as a key addition for continued dominance and subsequently a focal point amidst the team`s fluctuating form. While Real Madrid`s attack has sometimes lacked balance due to an abundance of talent, Mbappe himself has generally been effective. He was arguably the standout performer in the recent Clasico, scoring a hat-trick despite Real Madrid`s 4-3 loss. These final games offer Mbappe a chance to set a positive tone for the next campaign, suggesting a strong performance is likely from the French international.
Storyline to Watch
Assessing Real Madrid`s Future: As Real Madrid bids farewell to Ancelotti, attention is already shifting towards the club`s next steps. Outgoing Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is frequently mentioned as a potential successor, but the needed transformation runs deeper than just the coaching change. This season has highlighted areas for improvement, with the team sometimes struggling in attack and showing vulnerability defensively. This has led many to suggest significant squad business will be required in the summer. Therefore, the remaining matches could essentially serve as tryouts for players hoping to secure a significant role under the new manager.
Match Prediction
Real Madrid`s season has included challenging periods, but they have generally secured victories more often than not in the second half, even if the winning margins haven`t always been convincing. Mallorca will likely find opportunities against Real Madrid`s occasionally shaky defense, but the home side possesses the quality to win this match with relative ease. The celebratory atmosphere surrounding Ancelotti`s departure could also provide an emotional boost, helping Los Blancos conclude the season strongly.
Predicted Score: Real Madrid 2, Mallorca 0
