Real Madrid return to the Santiago Bernabéu tomorrow night for their third La Liga match of the season, riding high after opening with back-to-back victories. Xabi Alonso’s men look sharp, efficient, and determined to set the tone early in the campaign.
Mallorca, on the other hand, come into this game still searching for their first win. They fell to Hansi Flick’s Barcelona on the opening weekend and were held by Celta Vigo last time out. That makes tomorrow’s clash crucial for both sides—Madrid to keep momentum rolling, and Mallorca to stop their early-season slide.
Here are three big storylines to watch:
1. Will Vinícius Start?
Alonso raised eyebrows last weekend by leaving Vinícius Jr. out of the starting XI against Real Oviedo. The Brazilian has struggled to recapture his explosive, game-changing form over the past year, ever since missing out on the Ballon d’Or shortlist.
But coming off the bench, Vinícius reminded everyone of his talent—scoring, assisting, and sparking Madrid’s attack in just 30 minutes of play. His cameo was electric, and it has created a genuine selection dilemma for Alonso: does he restore Vinícius to the lineup, or keep sending the message that no one is guaranteed a starting spot?
2. Carvajal vs. Trent: The Right-Back Dilemma
Real Madrid’s biggest summer signing, Trent Alexander-Arnold, arrived with the expectation of locking down the right-back position. But Dani Carvajal’s return to fitness has complicated things.
Carvajal was sharp in his first start of the season, showing exactly why managers have trusted him for so long. His experience and defensive discipline remain invaluable, especially in big games. Yet keeping Trent on the bench after his high-profile move could create tension down the road.
Tomorrow’s lineup may reveal Alonso’s long-term thinking: stick with the seasoned stalwart, or begin handing more responsibility to the ambitious newcomer.
3. Madrid’s Rock-Solid Defence
Perhaps the most impressive part of Madrid’s start to the season has been their defensive dominance. Two games, two clean sheets, just eight shots conceded—and only three of those on target.
Much of that strength comes from Alonso’s high-pressing system. Madrid have won the ball back 84 times in the opposition half already, the highest tally in Spain, showing how aggressively they’re controlling matches.
Mallorca, with its attack-minded approach, will pose a different type of test. But if Madrid continue to defend as they have so far, they’ll reinforce their status as not just the most dangerous attacking side in Spain, but also the toughest to break down.
Tomorrow night’s game offers both a chance for Madrid to make another statement and for Mallorca to show fight against elite opposition. The questions of Vinícius, the right-back rotation, and Madrid’s defensive resilience will all take center stage at the Bernabéu.
