Real Madrid are under pressure ahead of their Champions League clash with FC Bayern, with Kylian Mbappé also coming under increased scrutiny. A conspicuous development makes the situation even more explosive.
Three days before the quarter-final first leg, the Whites conceded a surprising 2-1 defeat at RCD Mallorca. One statistic surrounding Mbappé is particularly eye-catching: Real had previously won five games in a row without the Frenchman starting – his return to the starting line-up broke this streak.
The numbers raise questions, to say the least. In previous weeks, Real looked more compact and stable without Mbappé. With him in the starting eleven, the game could shift more towards the Frenchman, making the Whites look easier to predict overall.
The game in Mallorca was a bitter one. The hosts took the lead shortly before the break, Real only managed to equalise late on. However, the decisive goal followed in stoppage time to seal the defeat. The defeat comes at the worst possible time. Real Madrid have to cope with a setback shortly before the clash with FC Bayern, which is likely to have an impact not only in sporting terms but also mentally.
No major rotation – and still no sense of achievement
A look at the line-up is also remarkable. Although some of the attacking stars were initially missing from the starting line-up, there was no classic B team on the pitch. Several key players were given game time, including Mbappé.
The defeat can therefore hardly be explained by rotation. Rather, it acts as a warning signal ahead of the upcoming top match in the Premier League. The result also has consequences in the league. League leaders FC Barcelona were able to extend their lead, while Real are now seven points behind.
While the Madrilenians suffered a setback, FC Bayern were not at their best either. However, they were able to recharge their batteries with a late win in Freiburg. Both teams will therefore go into the direct clash at the Santiago Bernabéu with different omens. Real Madrid are under pressure after the setback, while FC Bayern will arrive with a sense of achievement behind them.
