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Real Madrid host Mallorca in their first game of the 2024 calendar year. The fixture will represent a return to the Santiago Bernabeu for the first time in over two weeks. Mallorca hope to build on their 1-0 victory in the last meeting with Real. Continue reading to access expert Real Madrid vs Mallorca predictions and explore stats and the latest Real Madrid odds.
- Real Madrid CF vs RCD Mallorca, LaLiga
- January 3, 2024
- 1:15 PM EST
- Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain
- ESPN+
Real Madrid vs Mallorca Predictions: Who do Sportsbooks Favor?
Real Madrid are massive favorites against the island-based club, who come into this clash as (-420) favorites. The number represents an implied probability of 7.3% for Real to secure the cherished 3 points. However, the Palma residents would provide a big boost to any bettor’s pockets with a win, as they are currently (+1270) underdogs. A draw would pay out at (+570) at highly-rated sportsbook BetOnline.
LaLiga 
Real Madrid -435 -455 -420 Mallorca +1270 +1000 +1100 Draw +570 +475 +525
To better understand the 3-way moneyline (1X2) market, see our soccer betting tips and learn about La Liga betting odds.
La Liga: Top League in Europe
When evaluating La Liga’s prowess, the UEFA skill coefficient emerges as a valuable gauge. From 2013 to 2019, La Liga maintained its status as Europe’s top-ranked league for seven consecutive years. This metric draws from statistics compiled over five preceding seasons, making 2019 the latest year available for assessment. Impressively, across the past 60 ranked years, La Liga has led Europe for 22 of them, surpassing any other country.
Moreover, clubs from La Liga have clinched an array of prestigious titles in European football. They boast 19 UEFA Champions League trophies, 14 UEFA Europa League victories, 16 UEFA Super Cup triumphs, and 8 FIFA Club World Cup championships. Additionally, players hailing from La Liga have claimed numerous prestigious individual awards, including 24 Ballon d’Or accolades, 19 The Best FIFA Men’s Player awards, and 12 UEFA Men’s Player of the Year titles. These remarkable achievements firmly establish La Liga’s standing as a soccer powerhouse.
Real Madrid Season Breakdown
Real Madrid stands atop the La Liga table with Girona with 45 points, dropping only one game so far. In fact, the club has not lost, domestically or continentally, since they fell to their Madrid rivals at the Metropolitano. Real rarely taste bitter defeat in La Liga, a matchup with Mallorca on home turf surely will not scare them too much.
But Mallorca are enjoying a strong run of form in recent days as well. The islanders’ last loss was also at the hands of Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano, making it an unbeaten streak of 6 games across all competitions.
In recent news, manager Carlo Ancelotti agreed to a contract extension over the holidays, pushing his tenure out to 2026. Florentino Perez signed off on the deal after negotiations between the longtime Real Madrid president and Ancelotti took place. The contract includes certain conditions Ancelotti made clear: The club must move to sign a center-back in January. This comes as a result of Eder Militao and David Alaba picking up long-term injuries.
Mbappe to Barcelona? Recent Reports Indicate Real Out
Rumors have swirled for years, and picked up in recent months, about the Frenchman Kylian Mbappe. The wait for the superstar to finally take his talents outside of his home country may come to an end soon. But while many believed he was destined to play for Real Madrid, it seems like that may not be the case, at least according to recent reports in Spain. A Catalan publication believes Mbappe is headed to Madrid’s bitter rivals Barcelona.
The report states Barcelona is gearing up to leverage the €1 billion incoming from their status as a founding member of the European Super League to entice Mbappé to join Camp Nou, outlining a strategy dubbed “Operation Donatello.” The moniker references the nickname reportedly bestowed upon the French striker by his PSG teammates, inspired by his striking resemblance to the character from the Ninja Turtles franchise. The report also states Real Madrid has pulled out of the running for the World Cup winner entirely.
However, there is reasonable skepticism regarding the legitimacy of the news. Suspicious details about the contract include agreements for Mbappe to not use his stronger right foot against Madrid and secret meetings between Barcelona president Joan Laporta and Perez. The report was published on December 28, also known as “El Dia de Los Inocentes” (The Day of the Holy Innocents) which is essentially the equivalent of April Fool’s Day. Reports of this nature have been published in past years.
Real Madrid vs Mallorca Predictions and Free Betting Pick
Mallorca’s run of strong defensive performances, along with time to prepare for this matchup, gives me reason to believe they can keep this one somewhat close. The islanders will hope to kick off the calendar year with a similar result to their last fixture against Real Madrid, in which they fought out a 1-1 draw.
Real Madrid is a dominant side, but winning a landslide against Mallorca, who have only allowed more than two goals once since May 28, is a tall task. I like Mallorca to keep it tight, but am favoring the asian handicap over the under. Madrid have conceded in 3 of the last 4 games. Stay conservative in such a lopsided affair, but trust in Mallorca to keep it within 2 after 90 minutes.
Top Sportsbooks for Real Madrid Odds
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