Real Madrid Rally From Behind To Beat Real Mallorca 2-1; Remain Top Of La Liga

Last Updated:August 31, 2025, 07:44 IST

Real Madrid beat Real Mallorca 2-1 with goals from Arda Güler and Vinícius Júnior, securing Xabi Alonso’s third straight La Liga win and staying top of the table.

Real Madrid's Mastantuono and Guler celebrating (AFP)

Real Madrid continued their flawless opening to the new La Liga campaign on Saturday, battling back from an early setback to defeat Real Mallorca 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Goals from Arda Güler and Vinícius Júnior turned the tide after Vedat Muriqi had put the visitors in front, sealing Madrid’s third consecutive victory under new coach Xabi Alonso.

After a bright start from Madrid, it was Mallorca who silenced the Bernabéu crowd. In the 18th minute, Kosovan striker Muriqi diverted a corner into the net with his shoulder, handing the islanders a shock lead. It was the first goal Los Blancos had conceded in La Liga this season, ending their run of two consecutive clean sheets.

Alonso’s side, however, refused to panic. With Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius, and Trent Alexander-Arnold restored to the starting XI, Madrid quickly began to reassert their dominance.

Güler and Vinícius Turn the Game

The equaliser arrived in the 37th minute. Dean Huijsen rose highest to meet Álvaro Carreras’ cross, heading into the six-yard box where Arda Güler nodded home from close range.

Barely a minute later, the Bernabéu erupted again. Vinícius Júnior, returning to the lineup after being benched last week, surged into space and scuffed a low finish beyond goalkeeper Predrag Rajković to put Madrid 2-1 ahead.

Mbappé nearly added a third before half-time, only to drag wide from close range. The Frenchman did find the net moments later, but for the second time in the match, he was ruled offside.

A Night of Disallowed Goals

Madrid continued to push after the restart, with Franco Mastantuono, the 18-year-old Argentine summer signing, impressing on his first Bernabéu start. The teenager came close with a fierce effort over the bar and was involved in another move that ended with Güler finding the net—only for VAR to spot a handball in the buildup.

That was the third Madrid goal disallowed on the night, frustrating home supporters but underlining the team’s attacking intent.

Mallorca came close to punishing Madrid’s wastefulness when Samu Costa unleashed a powerful strike, but Carreras made a crucial goal-line clearance to preserve the lead. Unlike last season under Carlo Ancelotti, when Madrid often struggled to close out tight matches, Alonso’s men showed maturity and composure in the final stages to see the game through.

The Bigger Picture

With this victory, Madrid remain top of La Liga with a perfect record heading into the first international break.

On Sunday, defending champions Barcelona will attempt to keep pace when they visit Rayo Vallecano, while Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao could also join Madrid on nine points should they win their respective matches.

(with agency inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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First Published:

August 31, 2025, 07:44 IST

News sports Real Madrid Rally From Behind To Beat Real Mallorca 2-1; Remain Top Of La Liga

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