Carlo Ancelotti is set to manage some of his final games at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium this Wednesday when Real Madrid hosts Mallorca in one of their last La Liga fixtures of the season.
With the league title practically out of reach, trailing Barcelona by seven points with just three games remaining, Real Madrid is entering a transitional phase. The upcoming matches will provide both an opportunity to assess the team`s potential future direction and reflect on their current challenges. Bouncing back from a recent defeat in El Clasico is also a priority as the domestic campaign nears its end.
Nevertheless, the atmosphere is likely to be one of celebration. Ancelotti is synonymous with Real Madrid`s success, having secured three UEFA Champions League titles with the club and becoming the most successful manager in the history of the competition. His objective for the remaining weeks is straightforward: “I want to finish the final stretch of this fantastic adventure here well.”
Match Details
- Date: Wednesday, May 15
- Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Santiago Bernabeu Stadium — Madrid, Spain
Last Meeting
The previous encounter between Real Madrid and Mallorca was a comfortable affair, resulting in a 3-0 win for Los Blancos in the Spanish Super Cup semifinals back in January. Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo were on the scoresheet, alongside an own goal from Martin Valjent.
Ancelotti`s Perspective on Departure
The confirmation on Monday that Ancelotti would take over the Brazil national team job wasn`t entirely unexpected, as he had hinted at his future over the past few weeks. However, the timing of the official announcement may not have been ideal.
“If I didn`t have the press conference today, it would be fantastic,” he commented on Tuesday. “There are things I can`t explain right now because I`m at Madrid and I want to respect the shirt.”
He did take time to reflect on the conclusion of his second spell at Real Madrid, suggesting that all successful periods must eventually 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 appeared at peace with his decision, especially considering the multitude of trophies won during his tenures. “I always kept in mind that one day it ends,” he added. “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`s performance has been a central theme throughout Real Madrid`s season. While intended as a key piece for continued dominance, he`s often been the focal point amidst the team`s fluctuating form. Despite the squad`s wealth of attacking talent causing occasional imbalance, Mbappe remains highly effective. He was arguably the standout player in the recent El Clasico, netting a hattrick despite the 4-3 defeat. The final matches offer a prime opportunity for Mbappe to build momentum and set a positive tone for the upcoming campaign.
Storyline to Watch
Gazing into Real Madrid`s Future: As Real Madrid prepares for Ancelotti`s departure, attention is already turning to what comes next. While former Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is frequently linked as a successor, the necessary transformation for Real Madrid to compete for major titles next season might require more than just a new coach. The team has faced inconsistencies in both attack and defense this season, suggesting potential significant activity in the summer transfer window. Therefore, these final games could essentially serve as auditions for players aiming to secure a prominent role under the new management.
Prediction
Real Madrid has navigated a somewhat challenging season but has generally secured victories in the second half of the campaign, even if the winning margins haven`t always been convincing. Mallorca will likely find opportunities against Madrid`s defense, but the hosts possess the quality to secure a relatively comfortable win. The celebratory atmosphere surrounding Ancelotti`s final home games may provide an extra lift for Los Blancos as they aim to conclude the season positively.
Pick: Real Madrid 2, Mallorca 0
Dominic Ashworth