A dramatic 95th-minute winner by Jacobo Ramon ensured Real Madrid snatched a 2-1 comeback victory over Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday night, forcing Barcelona to wait at least one more day to clinch the La Liga title.
With the match deep into stoppage time and Real seemingly out of ideas, 20-year-old Ramon — making just his second La Liga appearance — volleyed home from close range following a chaotic defensive breakdown by Mallorca. The young Spaniard’s goal sparked wild celebrations and preserved a sliver of title hope for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Earlier, Mallorca had taken a surprise lead through Martin Valjent, who rifled a low shot past Thibaut Courtois in the 11th minute after Real failed to clear a corner. The visitors defended resolutely for much of the game, frustrating Madrid’s star-studded attack.
Real pressed relentlessly in the second half and finally found a breakthrough when Kylian Mbappé equalised in the 68th minute, finishing coolly from the edge of the area after a clever assist by Luka Modrić.
Despite waves of pressure and numerous missed opportunities, it looked as though Madrid’s late-season push would fall short — until Ramon pounced in the fifth minute of added time, converting a low cross from Jesús Vallejo that had deflected off a Mallorca defender.
Barcelona’s Wait Continues
The result means that Barcelona, who sit four points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand, will need to wait until Thursday night to try and officially seal the title. A draw or win against Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium will confirm Hansi Flick’s side as champions.
Barça’s commanding position comes largely thanks to their 4-3 El Clásico victory on Sunday — their fourth win over Real this season, including triumphs in the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup finals.
While the title remains firmly in Barcelona’s grasp, Real Madrid’s win delays their celebrations and gives Ancelotti’s men a glimmer of hope, albeit faint.
Ancelotti’s Last Dance
This La Liga campaign marks the final season in charge of Real Madrid for Carlo Ancelotti, who is set to become the Brazil national team manager after the season concludes. His expected successor is Xabi Alonso, with an appointment reportedly lined up ahead of June’s FIFA Club World Cup.
Despite being the most decorated manager in Real Madrid history — with 15 trophies, including three Champions League titles and two La Liga crowns — Ancelotti is on course to finish the season without a major trophy. Madrid’s only silverware this season came in December, when they defeated Pachuca to lift the FIFA Intercontinental Cup — a minor consolation for a club with lofty ambitions.
Match Stats
- Real Madrid 2-1 Mallorca
- Scorers: Valjent (11’), Mbappé (68’), Ramon (90+5’)
- Assists: Modrić, Vallejo
- Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu
- Attendance: 60,753
Whether this dramatic victory will serve as a turning point or just a final flourish in a disappointing season for Madrid remains to be seen. All eyes now turn to Thursday night’s Catalan derby — where Barcelona can claim the title with just one point, finally putting an end to this gripping title race.
