Real Madrid Seeks Third Straight Win as Mallorca Visits Bernabéu

Real Madrid, under the new stewardship of Xabi Alonso, is aiming to extend their perfect start to the La Liga season with a third consecutive victory as they prepare to welcome Mallorca to the Santiago Bernabéu. Despite a somewhat "disjointed preseason," as noted by reports, Madrid has showcased their winning mentality, securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Osasuna followed by a more convincing 3-0 triumph against Real Oviedo.

A key factor in Real Madrid's early success has been the electrifying form of Kylian Mbappé, who has already netted three goals in the opening two games, firmly establishing himself as a pivotal player in Alonso's new-look side. His clinical finishing and pace will be crucial as Madrid navigates this early phase of the season.

Mallorca's Mixed Fortunes and Bernabéu Challenge

In contrast, Mallorca has experienced a challenging start to their campaign. They suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat at the hands of champions Barcelona, a game where they were reduced to nine men in the first half. However, they demonstrated resilience by securing their first point of the season with a 1-1 draw against Celta Vigo in their most recent outing. Historically, Mallorca has struggled significantly at the Bernabéu, with their last victory against Real Madrid at the iconic stadium dating back to 2009, making this an uphill battle for the visitors.

Real Madrid Grapples with Injury Concerns Ahead of Clash

Xabi Alonso's squad selection is complicated by a growing list of injury concerns. Key players such as Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy, and Endrick are all confirmed unavailable for the match. Adding to the squad dynamics, Dani Ceballos is expected to remain with the team after a potential transfer to Marseille reportedly fell through. Alonso faces a tactical decision on the left flank, with Rodrygo and Vinícius Jr vying for a starting spot. Young talent Franco Mastantuono might find himself on the bench, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is pushing for a return at right-back.

Predicted Lineups and Match Outlook

Real Madrid's potential starting lineup (4-3-3):

• Goalkeeper: Courtois
• Defenders: Alexander-Arnold, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras
• Midfielders: Valverde, Tchouaméni, Güler
• Forwards: Rodrygo, Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior

Mallorca will be bolstered by the return of Vedat Muriqi to their starting XI, expected to lead the line alongside Asano. Manu Morlanes could feature from the bench, while Mateu Morey, who scored in their last match, might be deployed in a wing-back role as manager Jagoba Arrasate considers a switch to a back three. Pablo Torre is a potential starter in the No. 10 role, tasked with being the team's creative lynchpin.

Mallorca's predicted lineup (3-4-1-2):

• Goalkeeper: Román
• Defenders: Kumbulla, Raillo, Valjent
• Midfielders: Morey, Darder, Lato, Mojica
• Attacking Midfielder: Torre
• Forwards: Muriqi, Asano

Despite Mallorca's potential to frustrate opponents with their defensive solidity, the momentum and attacking prowess of Real Madrid, coupled with their home advantage, suggest a continuation of their strong league form. The prediction leans towards a 2-0 victory for Real Madrid, further solidifying their position at the top of the La Liga table.