The Spanish Super Cup semi-final brings an exciting clash as Real Madrid faces Mallorca in Jeddah. With a place in the final against Barcelona at stake, all eyes are on Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded side and their resilient opponents. Can Mallorca pull off an upset, or will Madrid’s form prove too much to handle?
Real Madrid enters the semi-final brimming with confidence. Ancelotti’s men have had a stellar start to 2025, sitting comfortably at the top of La Liga. Their recent performances include a dominant 5-0 Copa del Rey victory over Deportivo Minera, showcasing their offensive firepower and depth.
The defending champions of the Supercopa de España have consistently been a part of this competition since its four-team expansion in 2020. With 13 Super Cup titles under their belt, Madrid is second only to Barcelona in the trophy count, adding to their motivation for this year’s campaign.
Players like Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham have been pivotal in recent matches, and fans will expect another commanding display from this trio. Despite injuries to key players like Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, Madrid’s squad depth remains their strength.
Mallorca: The Underdogs with a Fighting Spirit
Mallorca’s road to the Supercopa de España stems from their valiant effort in last year’s Copa del Rey, where they lost to Athletic Club in the final. Under Jagoba Arrasate’s management, Mallorca has been a team on the rise. Currently sixth in La Liga, they have shown they can challenge the big guns, evidenced by their 1-1 draw with Real Madrid in August 2024.
The islanders may not have the same depth or experience as their opponents, but they make up for it with grit and organization. Mallorca’s 4-4-2 formation, led by Vedat Muriqi and Cyle Larin up front, relies on structured defense and quick transitions. Their ability to frustrate opponents could be key to unsettling Madrid.
Head-to-Head: Recent Meetings
Real Madrid holds the edge in their recent encounters, with three wins in the last five matches against Mallorca. However, their last meeting in August ended in a 1-1 stalemate, proving that Mallorca can be a tough nut to crack.
Madrid’s superior firepower and experience in high-pressure games make them favorites, but Mallorca’s defensive resilience and ability to counter could turn this into a closer contest than expected.
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Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
- Defenders: Lucas Vázquez, Antonio Rüdiger, Aurelien Tchouaméni, Ferland Mendy
- Midfielders: Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga; Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior
- Forward: Kylian Mbappé
Vinicius Junior will be available for this clash despite his red card against Valencia, and he’ll look to cause havoc down the flanks. Mbappé’s pace and Bellingham’s creativity will be crucial for unlocking Mallorca’s defense.
Mallorca (4-4-2):
- Goalkeeper: Dominik Greif
- Defenders: Pablo Maffeo, Martin Valjent, Copete, Johan Mojica
- Midfielders: Takumi Asano, Manu Morlanes, Omar Mascarell, Sergi Darder
- Forwards: Vedat Muriqi, Cyle Larin
Mallorca will rely heavily on their compact defense and the attacking duo of Muriqi and Larin to exploit any lapses in Madrid’s backline. Their strategy will likely involve soaking up pressure and hitting Madrid on the counter.
Match Prediction: Real Madrid’s Firepower vs Mallorca’s Resilience
While Mallorca’s defensive structure and determination will pose challenges, Real Madrid’s depth and quality should see them through to the final. Ancelotti’s side has been in excellent form and has the experience needed to handle high-stakes games like this.
jambobet Prediction: Real Madrid 2-0 Mallorca
Madrid’s attacking trio of Mbappé, Vinicius, and Rodrygo will likely be the difference-makers, while Mallorca’s inability to maintain possession against top-tier opponents could cost them dearly. Expect a tight first half, but Madrid’s class should shine in the latter stages.
How to Watch: Broadcast Details
- United Kingdom: Not televised
- United States: ESPN+, fuboTV, ESPN App, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes
- Kickoff Time: Thursday, 9 January 2025, 19:00 GMT / 14:00 ET / 11:00 PT
- Location: King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
This semi-final promises an intriguing clash of styles. Real Madrid will aim to dominate possession and capitalize on their individual brilliance, while Mallorca will focus on frustrating their opponents and seizing counter-attacking opportunities. Although the odds are stacked against Mallorca, their ability to punch above their weight makes them a team worth watching.
Will it be another routine victory for Madrid, or can Mallorca produce a Supercopa de España miracle? All will be revealed on Thursday evening.
