Vedat Muriqi struck deep into stoppage time to hand RCD Mallorca a dramatic 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in LaLiga on Saturday, dealing a significant blow to the visitors’ title ambitions.
Madrid, managed by Alvaro Arbeloa, appeared to have salvaged a point when Eder Militao headed home in the 88th minute. However, Muriqi had the final say, firing home in the 91st minute to seal a famous win for the hosts.
The result leaves second-placed Madrid four points adrift of leaders Barcelona, who were set to face Atletico Madrid later in the day.
With one eye on their upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich, Arbeloa opted to start with Vinicius Junior on the bench, a decision that contributed to a sluggish first-half display.
Madrid struggled to create clear chances early on, with their best opportunity falling to Kylian Mbappe, who had recently returned from a knee injury. The forward was denied twice by an inspired Leo Roman, while Antonio Rudiger also missed with a header.
Mallorca gradually grew into the contest and took the lead through Manu Morlanes, who latched onto Pablo Maffeo’s cross and fired past Andriy Lunin.
After the break, Madrid increased the pressure. Arbeloa introduced Vinicius, Jude Bellingham and Militao in search of a response, but Mallorca’s defence, marshalled effectively, held firm for long spells.
The breakthrough finally came when Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered a pinpoint corner for Militao to power home, seemingly rescuing a point.
Yet Mallorca were not finished. In stoppage time, Muriqi struck decisively, registering his 18th league goal of the season to send the home crowd into raptures and secure a vital win in their fight against relegation.
The victory lifts Mallorca further clear of the drop zone and will be remembered as one of their standout performances of the campaign.
