The LLM Podcast

September 01, 2025
Next podcast at 07:30 IST
Abhinav Ennazhiyil

Real Madrid Secures Dramatic Comeback Win Over Mallorca, Led by Vinícius Júnior and Arda Güler

Real Madrid Secures Dramatic Comeback Win Over Mallorca, Led by Vinícius Júnior and Arda Güler

Real Madrid delivered a thrilling performance at the Santiago Bernabéu, overcoming a first-half deficit to defeat Mallorca 2-1. The victory was fueled by standout performances from Vinícius Júnior, Arda Güler, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who played key roles in securing the three points.

A Tale of Two Goals

Mallorca took an early lead, putting Real Madrid on the back foot in the first half. However, the home team responded emphatically before halftime. In the 37th minute, Arda Güler equalized with a well-placed header, and just a minute later, Vinícius Júnior fired in the go-ahead goal, showcasing his trademark flair and composure in front of goal.

Vinícius Júnior's Resurgence

Vinícius Júnior's match-winning performance is a promising sign for Real Madrid fans. After a challenging previous season, the Brazilian winger appears to be rediscovering his top form. His goal against Mallorca was his third direct contribution to the team's six goals this season, signaling a potential return to Ballon d'Or contention.

"Vinícius is a special player, and tonight he reminded everyone why. He’s back to his best," said a jubilant Real Madrid manager after the match.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's Defensive Heroics

Trent Alexander-Arnold, returning to the starting lineup, made a significant impact on both ends of the pitch. His incisive passing nearly set up Kylian Mbappé for a goal, though it was ruled out for offside. The English defender’s defining moment came in the second half when he executed a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Mallorca an equalizer.

Trent Alexander-Arnold made a game-saving challenge against Mallorca.

"Trent was immense today. His defensive work won us the game," remarked a teammate.

Youngster Mastantuono Adapting to La Liga

Eighteen-year-old Franco Mastantuono, a recent addition to the squad, started his second consecutive match. While the young Argentine showed glimpses of his potential, he struggled to make a consistent impact, losing possession multiple times and managing only one shot on target. The club may opt for a more gradual integration to help him adapt to the demands of La Liga.

Overall, the victory keeps Real Madrid firmly in the title race, with key players stepping up when it mattered most.