Mallorca vs Real Madrid Match Preview
The last time these two teams faced each other, Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick secured the victory for the Merengues, but now RCD Mallorca -with a completely renewed stadium- will do its best to stop Real Madrid from claiming the top from the beginning on Sunday's late game. Jose Mourinho knows Merengue's followers are expecting the Portuguese to repeat last year's performance, in which he claimed every possible title with Internazionale. Mallorca's striker Fernando Cavenaghi might be playing his first match with the team "It is too much to ask to beat Casillas on my first match" were Torito's words, but he was seen pretty confident and happy with his opportunity. He'll be joining his fellow countryman German Lux as well as Jonathan De Guzman in the midfield, but they know much of the game will probably be played near Mallorca's area. An offense might be the best defense, but only when you know a way to break through. Would he find an unguarded spot in the Galactic area?
This year will be decisive for the pride of the Merengues, as FC Barcelona might finally become the most prolific Spanish team in all history, as Real Madrid's historic gap has been reduced to only two trophies. For over two years the Galactic directives have tried to keep up with Barcelona's pace, but an early elimination from the Champions forced team's president to secure a way towards the top. Jose Mourinho was given all he ever asked for, and he even joked about expecting a nice gift from the team. Iker Casillas, Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos have proven to be within world's top players, as well as Angel Di Maria, who had won the public's grace, and might be chosen over Mesut Ozil to carry the team through the left wing. Fernando Gago, injured during the last friendly match will probably leave his place to Sami Khedira, of excellent performance in South Africa. Always favorite, Jose Mourinho's overwhelming forces are likely to explode just in front of Mallorca's hoping squad.
Mallorca vs Real Madrid Match Report
In this tied game there was a clear winner and it has been Dudo Adouate, Mallorca's Israeli goalkeeper, who had to stand against Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema's furious blows. Sergio Canales and Angel Di Maria couldn't do anything to assist the strikers, forcing Jose Mourinho to replace them. Not even Mesut Ozil and Karim Benzema could change the course of the game, a goalless draw that showed once again the Merengues have much work to do apart from signing contracts with world's most expensive players.
It is impossible not to remember last year's close fight between the two giants after this game. Real Madrid did everything right, and their strikers showed mercy for the first time in this year. Gonzalo Higuain had two clear shots against the goal but the ball went wide by only a few inches. This league is not ranked by superiority; and Jose Mourinho will have to understand this soon to fight toe to toe with FC Barcelona for the title. Iker Casillas should be relaxed as Madrid's back line (Marcelo, Sergio Ramos, Roberto CarvalhoCarvalho and Sami KhediraKhedira) is indeed one of the toughest ones in the league. The Iberorstar Stadium hosted the first disappointment of the season for the Merengues, would they be able to heal the wounds in next week's game?
