Relegation-threatened Mallorca pulled off a stunning upset against Real Madrid with a dramatic stoppage-time goal from Vedat Muriqi, clinching a 2-1 victory at Son Moix.
Following a series of impressive saves from Mallorca goalkeeper Leo Román, Manu Morlanes capitalized on a rare chance to put the home side ahead just before half-time, against the run of play.
Real Madrid’s Brazilian defender Éder Militão, making his return from a long injury layoff, equalized with a powerful header from a corner in the final minutes. However, Muriqi had the last word, restoring Mallorca’s lead in stoppage time after a quick counter-attack.
The result leaves Real Madrid four points behind Barcelona, who are set to play against Atletico Madrid later on Saturday.
Kylian Mbappé and Trent Alexander-Arnold were both included in the starting lineup, while Brazil striker Vinícius Júnior began on the bench, alongside Jude Bellingham, who missed both of England’s friendlies during the international break.
After a somewhat chaotic first half, Mbappé delivered a cross aimed at the back post, which Manuel Ángel headed directly at Román.
Román showcased his quick reflexes with a leg save after Mbappé broke through into the penalty area. In the 26th minute, the French forward was again thwarted, this time by Román, who made a spectacular save to deny a curling shot before quickly recovering to block Brahim Diaz’s volley.
Mallorca nearly leveled the score when Muriqi’s attempt was deflected by Antonio Rüdiger, while Morlanes failed to convert from close range after heading the loose ball over the bar.
However, three minutes before halftime, Morlanes redeemed himself, getting on the end of a cross from Pablo Maffeo and scoring with a low strike past Andriy Lunin.
Mbappé remained Madrid’s most dangerous player, charging down the left at the start of the second half but seeing his angled attempt thwarted by Román once more, before he sent another chance wide.
To shake things up, Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa introduced both Vinícius and Bellingham just after the hour mark.
Mallorca, fighting to escape the relegation zone, held firm as Real Madrid struggled to find a decisive finishing touch in the final moments.
Militão, making his first appearance since December due to a hamstring injury, gave Madrid a lifeline with a late equalizer, heading in from an Alexander-Arnold corner.
In the dying moments, however, Muriqi struck again for Mallorca, finishing a cross from Mateo Joseph during a rapid counter-attack, leaving him in tears from the joy of securing three points, as fans erupted in celebration around Son Moix.