On a wet and grey Wednesday night at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid staged a dramatic late comeback to defeat Real Mallorca, keeping their hopes alive if only for a little longer in the La Liga title race. The 95th-minute winner from 20-year-old centre-back Jacobo Ramón, coming at the death, injected a rare burst of life and noise into a stadium that had largely felt empty this season. It was a moment that seemed almost symbolic in Carlo Ancelotti’s penultimate home game as Real Madrid manager.
Despite the significance of the goal, the victory felt more like a temporary reprieve than a real chance to overturn Barcelona’s commanding lead. With two games remaining, Madrid remain four points behind the Catalan side, who themselves have three matches left. Although Ancelotti insisted “anything can happen in football,” the reality is that Barcelona’s recent win in the clásico had all but sealed the league. If Barcelona beats Espanyol in their next game, they will be crowned champions within 24 hours.
The game itself carried the weight of finality, with a sense of resignation hanging over the club. The manager’s departure was announced just days earlier, and it was an open secret that Xabi Alonso will take over from Ancelotti, who is set to leave for the Brazilian national team. Many first-team regulars were absent, some through injury, others due to suspension or exhaustion. Key players like Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, Eduardo Camavinga, Lucas Vázquez, and Vinícius Júnior all missed the match. Rodrygo showed signs of uncertainty, arriving late for training and then returning. Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin and midfielder Brahim Díaz both pulled out on matchday, while Aurélien Tchouaméni was suspended.
In such circumstances, it was understandable that there was a feeling of “season’s-over-itis” among the squad and fans alike. Tickets were still on sale at kick-off for the first time all season, underscoring the diminished excitement around the team. Nevertheless, the supporters who did attend were ultimately rewarded with a thrilling end. Madrid took 39 shots, putting constant pressure on Mallorca’s goalkeeper Leo Román, who made a dozen impressive saves throughout the match.
Mallorca took the lead early, in the 11th minute, when Martin Valjent capitalized on a defensive lapse to score past Thibaut Courtois. Madrid’s initial response was subdued but grew stronger as the match progressed. Kylian Mbappé, in particular, was instrumental, scoring the equalizer in the 68th minute after a slick move that saw him escape defenders Morey and Valjent. That goal marked Mbappé’s 28th league goal and his 40th across all competitions this season.
Madrid’s relentless attacks continued but were repeatedly thwarted by Román and solid defending from Mallorca. Moments that could have sealed the game for Madrid went begging Gonzalo García missed a clear chance, and Mallorca’s defenders managed crucial clearances, including one off the line.
Then came the unexpected heroics from Jacobo Ramón. A player who had barely featured this season, Ramón was introduced late in the game and became the unlikely protagonist. In the final moments, he not only assisted but also scored the winner, providing the perfect dramatic finish to an evening that had often seemed lifeless. Jesús Vallejo, another seldom-used squad member, also contributed by setting up the decisive goal, delivering the first assist of his career.
The atmosphere in the stadium transformed instantly. What had been a muted, grey night became a moment of joy and rebellion, a final surge of pride from a team that had shown remarkable spirit despite the circumstances. While this victory may not change the course of the league, it offered a reminder of Real Madrid’s resilience and the unpredictable drama football can deliver even when the title race seems all but decided.
