“This defeat is mine, all and absolutely mine,” stated Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa following his team’s unexpected 2-1 loss to Mallorca on April 4, 2026.
The defeat has significant implications for Real Madrid’s title aspirations in La Liga, as they now find themselves in second place, four points behind Barcelona. This gap widened after Barcelona secured a victory against Atletico Madrid, leaving them seven points clear of Real Madrid.
Arbeloa, who has been at the helm of the team, acknowledged the challenges ahead, saying, “It’s more difficult (to win La Liga) than before the game started.” With only eight games remaining in the season, the pressure is mounting on the team to perform.
Despite the setback, Real Madrid had previously demonstrated resilience with six consecutive victories on the road in the league, showcasing their potential to bounce back. However, this latest defeat raises questions about their consistency and ability to compete for the title.
In terms of player fitness, Kylian Mbappe has recently returned from a knee sprain, which could bolster the squad’s attacking options. Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham is expected to gain match sharpness over the coming weeks, which may be crucial for the team’s performance in the final stretch of the season.
Arbeloa emphasized the need for focus, stating, “What I need from them is that they are already thinking about Tuesday’s game.” This indicates that the coach is looking for a quick turnaround as the team prepares for their next match.
Real Madrid’s defeat against Mallorca has undoubtedly impacted their title race in La Liga, and the coming weeks will be critical for the team’s ambitions. With the coach taking responsibility and players returning to fitness, fans will be watching closely to see how the team responds in the matches ahead.