Carlo Ancelotti is set to begin his final matches in charge of Real Madrid, starting with Wednesday`s La Liga fixture against Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabeu. This game marks the start of what could be described as a farewell tour for the decorated manager.
With just three games left in the season and trailing league leaders Barcelona by seven points, the La Liga title is realistically out of reach for Real Madrid. Consequently, these remaining fixtures offer a chance to look towards the future and assess the squad, rather than focusing on the title race. Bouncing back from a recent defeat in El Clasico, their fourth against Barcelona this season, will also be a motivation as the domestic campaign concludes.
Despite the league situation, the atmosphere is expected to be one of celebration, honoring Ancelotti`s immense contributions. He is synonymous with Real Madrid`s recent success, having won three UEFA Champions League titles with the club, making him the most successful manager in the competition`s history. His objective for these final weeks is clear: “I want to finish the final stretch of this fantastic adventure here well,” he stated.
Match Details
- Date: Wednesday, May 15 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Santiago Bernabeu Stadium — Madrid, Spain
- Live stream: ESPN+
- Odds: Real Madrid -300; Draw +410; Mallorca +700
Recent Encounter
Real Madrid`s previous match against Mallorca was relatively straightforward. Los Blancos secured a 3-0 victory in the Spanish Super Cup semifinals back in January. Goals from Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo, along with an own goal from Martin Valjent, sealed the win in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Ancelotti Reflects on Departure
The recent confirmation that Ancelotti will take over the Brazil national team job wasn`t entirely unexpected, given his prior comments. However, the timing of the official announcement seemed less than 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 fondly on his second tenure at Real Madrid, acknowledging that all successful periods eventually come to an end.
“I never had problems with Real and never will have problems with Real,” he asserted. “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 appears content with his decision, particularly considering the significant success Real Madrid achieved during his two spells in charge.
“I always kept in mind that one day it ends,” he said. “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 Starting Elevens
- 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
Key Player to Watch
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid: Much of the discussion around Real Madrid this season has revolved around Kylian Mbappe. Initially seen as the key to future dominance, he has instead been a central figure through the team`s ups and downs. Real Madrid has at times shown an imbalance in attack, partly due to their wealth of talent, but this doesn`t mean Mbappe hasn`t been effective. He was arguably the standout player in the recent Clasico, scoring three goals despite the team losing 4-3. The final matches of the season present an opportunity for Mbappe to set a positive tone for the next campaign, making a strong performance crucial for the French international.
Looking Ahead: Real Madrid`s Future
As Real Madrid prepares to bid farewell to Carlo Ancelotti, attention is already shifting towards the club`s future leadership and squad composition. While former Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is widely speculated as the successor, significant transformation may be needed beyond the coach to ensure Real Madrid is competing for top honors next season. Throughout this campaign, the team has shown vulnerabilities in defense and lacked consistency in attack, leading to suggestions that summer signings are essential. The upcoming games could serve as important auditions for players hoping to secure a significant role under the new manager.
Match Prediction
Real Madrid`s season has had its challenges, but they have generally performed well in the latter half, securing wins even if sometimes by narrow margins. While Mallorca may find opportunities against Real Madrid`s sometimes vulnerable defense, the hosts possess the quality to secure a comfortable victory. The celebratory mood surrounding Ancelotti`s departure could also provide an extra boost, motivating Los Blancos to finish the season strongly. Prediction: Real Madrid 2, Mallorca 0
