In a captivating encounter that showcased the relentless spirit of both teams, Real Madrid emerged victorious over RCD Mallorca, securing a hard-fought triumph in the Spanish Super Cup 2025.
The match kicked off at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, with Real Madrid eager to avenge their defeat to Mallorca in the previous year's Super Cup. The first half began with Mallorca showing impressive resilience, holding Real Madrid at bay with a resolute defense.
However, it was not long before Real Madrid's attacking prowess proved too formidable for Mallorca. In the 22nd minute, Karim Benzema unlocked the Mallorca defense with a sublime through ball to Vinícius Júnior, who made no mistake in firing the ball past Manolo Reina. The goal seemed to energize Real Madrid, and they began to assert their dominance.
Mallorca, to their credit, did not fold under pressure and continued to threaten Real Madrid's goal. In the 36th minute, Vedat Muriqi headed home a cross from Pablo Maffeo to equalize for the underdogs.
The second half was even more intense, with both teams pushing for the winning goal. Real Madrid regained the lead in the 58th minute when Federico Valverde curled in a stunning shot from outside the area. Mallorca responded with renewed determination, but Real Madrid's defense, led by the formidable Antonio Rüdiger, stood firm.
In the dying minutes of the match, Mallorca mounted a desperate attack, but it was Real Madrid who sealed the victory. Benzema, in a moment of brilliance, chipped the ball over Reina to make it 3-1 and secure Real Madrid's eighth Spanish Super Cup triumph.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was ecstatic with the win, praising his team's fighting spirit. "We faced a very good Mallorca team today, but we showed our resilience and quality," he said. "This victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players."
Mallorca coach Javier Aguirre expressed disappointment but acknowledged the strength of Real Madrid. "We played well today, but Real Madrid is a top team with world-class players," he said. "We will learn from this experience and come back stronger next time."
The match highlighted several key talking points that will shape the landscape of Spanish football in the years to come:
- Real Madrid's Dominance Continues: Real Madrid's victory further cemented their status as the dominant force in Spanish football. The team has now won the Spanish Super Cup a record eight times, proving their ability to consistently perform at the highest level.
- Mallorca's Impressive Performance: Despite the defeat, Mallorca gave a strong account of themselves against Real Madrid. The team showed great resilience, and their performance suggests that they will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming seasons.
- Valverde's Emerging Stardom: Federico Valverde's stunning goal highlighted the Uruguayan's growing importance to Real Madrid. The midfielder has developed into a key player for Ancelotti, and his performance against Mallorca showcased his exceptional talent and potential.
- The Importance of Leadership: Benzema's performance was a reminder of the importance of leadership in big games. The French striker led by example, scoring a crucial goal and inspiring his teammates to victory.
The Spanish Super Cup 2025 clash between Real Madrid and Mallorca was an enthralling spectacle that highlighted the depth and quality of Spanish football. Real Madrid's victory showcased their enduring dominance, while Mallorca's performance earned them plenty of admirers. As the season progresses, these two teams will undoubtedly continue to play a significant role in shaping the future of the sport.