Real Madrid Begin La Liga Title Defense with Trip to Mallorca
Real Madrid, led by coach Carlo Ancelotti, will start their defense of the La Liga title against Mallorca on Sunday, August 18. Ancelotti's side secured their first silverware of the season in the Uefa Super Cup last week, with Kylian Mbappe making a successful debut. The team has been strengthened by Mbappe's arrival, and Ancelotti will need to figure out how to best utilize his attacking talent, including Jude Bellingham, who may continue to play in a deeper role. Mallorca, who had a relatively tight defense last season, will look to cause an upset at their home stadium, Estadi Mallorca Son Moix.
Key Takeaways:
- Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti will face a challenge in figuring out how to best utilize his attacking talent, including Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.
- Mallorca, with a relatively tight defense last season, will look to cause an upset at home.
- The match will be played at Estadi Mallorca Son Moix in Palma de Mallorca, with a kickoff time of 8:30 pm BST.
- Mallorca manager Jagoba Arrasate has a number of options available for selection, with Japan forward Takuma Asano potentially making his competitive debut.
- Real Madrid's starting lineup is likely to remain unchanged from the Uefa Super Cup, with Eduardo Camavinga joining David Alaba in the treatment room.
- The match is expected to be a one-sided affair, with many predicting a 3-0 victory for Real Madrid.
Statistics:
- Real Madrid won the Uefa Super Cup last week, with Kylian Mbappe making a successful debut.
- Mallorca had a relatively tight defense last season, conceding 37 goals in 30 matches.
- Real Madrid have strengthened their squad with the arrival of Kylian Mbappe and other high-profile signings.
- Mallorca may use a 4-4-2 formation to try and contain Real Madrid's attacking talent.
- The match will be broadcast live on ITV4 and Premier Sports 1, with a livestream available on ITVX.
Sources:
- ITV4
- Premier Sports 1
- The Independent