Real Madrid return to action today against Real Mallorca at Son Moix seeking for maximum points before their set trip to Morocco for the FIFA Club World Cup that starts next week on Wednesday, in Rabat.
The Los Blancos will also want to make sure they stay within touching distance in terms of points with league leaders Barcelona who are five points clear at the top of the table.
During the press conference on Friday, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti complained about Real Madrid’s early kickoff saying that his players needed a breather since they played on Thursday night. Ancelotti also added that winning this match will give them more confidence going into the Club World Cup.
“The most important match is the one against Mallorca and winning it means everything to us. We will field the best team tomorrow.” Ancelotti, as quoted on Real Madrid’s official website said.
While speaking at a pre-match press conference on Friday, Mallorca coach Javier Aguirre said that although Madrid are missing some key players, the match will still be difficult for them.
“I’m not happy that they (Benzema and Militao) got injured because we are work colleagues and it could happen to me tomorrow, but it is true that they are two important players for them. They are Madrid and they will play with eleven world-class cracks and it will be difficult,” Aguirre according to managingmadrid.com. said.
Team news
Real Madrid are without five crucial players; defenders Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao, Lucas Vazquez, and attackers Eden Hazard and team captain Karim Benzema who was forced off in the midweek fixture against Valencia.
Madrid however, will be boosted by the return of David Alaba.
Mallorca on the other side have no injured players but will be without defender Jose Manuel Copete who is suspended.
Mallorca are expected to put up a stiff competition as they try to exploit Real Madrid’s injury woes.
