Sophia
Real Madrid orchestrated a thrilling comeback at the Santiago Bernabéu, overcoming a deficit for the first time this season to secure a vital 2-1 victory over Mallorca. The win marks their third consecutive triumph in the 2025-26 La Liga campaign under the guidance of new boss Xabi Alonso, with Vinícius Júnior delivering the decisive blow.
Alonso’s Tactical Tweaks and Early Drama
Having made a few notable squad rotations in the previous weekend’s fixture against Real Oviedo, Xabi Alonso reinstated key figures Trent Alexander-Arnold, Éder Militão, and the electric Vinícius Júnior into his starting XI. This tactical adjustment almost paid immediate dividends when Alexander-Arnold delivered a sublime pass from his own half, finding Kylian Mbappé who appeared to have opened the scoring in the seventh minute. However, VAR intervened, ruling the Frenchman marginally offside, and the goal was chalked off, setting a tense tone for the match.
Mallorca Strikes First, Madrid Responds with a Flurry
Mallorca, undeterred by the early pressure, gradually found their rhythm and managed to silence the home crowd. Former Barcelona midfielder Pablo Torre delivered a pinpoint corner, which Vedat Muriqi expertly headed past Thibaut Courtois, putting the visitors ahead 1-0. This marked the first time Real Madrid had trailed all season, and the pressure was on Alonso’s men to find a response before halftime.
What followed was a breathtaking minute of football that completely turned the tide. Álvaro Carreras floated a ball to the back post, finding Dean Huijsen, who headed it across goal to Arda Güler. The 20-year-old Turkish sensation made no mistake from close range, nodding home the equalizer. In the blink of an eye, Real Madrid seized the lead. Vinícius Júnior, showcasing his mesmerizing individual skill, drove forward, opted to keep possession, and then shifted to his left foot, creating just enough space to unleash a powerful shot into the back of the net. It was his second goal of the season and a moment of pure brilliance that ignited the Bernabéu.
Controversial VAR and a Nervy Finish
Real Madrid thought they had extended their lead in the 55th minute through Güler once more, but a lengthy and controversial VAR review ultimately disallowed the goal for a handball in the build-up. The decision left the home side frustrated, especially as Mallorca pressed hard in the latter stages, threatening to snatch a point. Despite a somewhat unconvincing close to the game, Alonso’s men held firm, securing all three points and moving to the top of the La Liga table.
Player Ratings: Vinícius Júnior Shines Brightest
Real Madrid’s perfect start to the La Liga season continues under Xabi Alonso. Here’s a look at how the players performed, with ratings provided by FotMob:
Real Madrid (4-3-3)
- GK: Thibaut Courtois – 6.5
- RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7.7
- CB: Éder Militão – 7.5
- CB: Dean Huijsen – 8.1
- LB: Álvaro Carreras – 7.4
- CM: Fede Valverde – 8
- CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni – 7.3
- CM: Arda Güler – 7.7
- RW: Franco Mastantuono – 6.9
- ST: Kylian Mbappé – 7.5
- LW: Vinícius Júnior – 8.3
Substitutes:
- Brahim Díaz (66’ for Mastantuono) – 6.4
- Dani Carvajal (72’ for Alexander-Arnold) – 6.6
- Dani Ceballos (72’ for Güler) – 6.5
- Rodrygo (72’ for Vinícius Júnior) – 6.3
- Gonzalo García (90+5’ for Mbappé) – N/A
Player of the Match: Vinícius Júnior
Mallorca (5-3-2)
Leo Román; Mateu Morey, Martin Valjent, Antonio Raíllo, Marash Kumbulla, Toni Lato; Manu Morlanes, Sergi Darder, Pablo Torre; Mateo Joseph, Vedat Muriqi.
Substitutes: Samú Costa, Antonio Sánchez, Johan Mojica, Jan Virgili, Takuma Asano.
Looking Ahead
Real Madrid will now head into the September international break atop La Liga, with their next challenge coming against Real Sociedad in two weeks. The early signs under Xabi Alonso are promising, with the team demonstrating resilience and individual brilliance when it matters most.
For the latest La Liga news, transfer rumors, and gossip, stay tuned to our sports coverage. Follow Amanda Langell on her official Sports Illustrated FC page for more insights into the European game and international competitions.
Published 3 Hours Ago by Amanda Langell, Sports Illustrated FC Freelance Writer.
