A Reason for Optimism

It is a well known fact that the mere presence of a team like Real Madrid can often mean the psychological battle is lost even before the first kick of a ball, the reputation of the club alone driving fear into the minds of their opposition. Mourinho and his new signings arrived on the island with an air of invincibility, desperate to match Barcelona, intent on proving that they have what it takes to go all the way this year. They expected to roll over a team crushed by the weight of their summer, a makeshift side with little expectation of their own. Mourinho’s debut would be triumphant, the fixture timed perfectly, pitting them against a deflated side that couldn’t possibly match their power, skill or reputation.

The only trouble was, nobody told Mallorca of the plan.

From the start Mallorca played with a youthful exuberance and the optimism of a fresh start. Gone were the thoughts of a dreadful summer. Gone were the thoughts of the mass exodus that had just taken place. And banished were the reminders of their unfair European expulsion.

Instead, Mallorca were focused on the task at hand – and Laudrup’s men executed their plan to perfection.

Throughout the entire 90 minutes, Mallorca were certainly on a par with the men from the capital, and the final result – a tight, 0-0 draw – was well deserved. Mallorca’s play was rigid and organised at the back, heaping pressure onto Madrid, not allowing them the time and space they wanted – and needed – to get ahead. By the time of the final whistle, one thing was evident: Madrid had certainly not carved out anywhere near the region of goal scoring chances one would expect, especially with the wealth of attacking talent on display.

Ronaldo, Higuain, Benzema, Ozil, Canales; the list goes on. And yet they all came down to one common denominator: none could break through the Mallorca backlines. A few nervy moments aside, in truth, they hardly came close.

This is thanks to the continued excellence of Dudu Aouate, picking up where he left off last season, his brave, instinctive goalkeeping snuffing out every chance Madrid made.

In front, the back four marshaled Madrid expertly. Nunes provided an inspirational display alongside a brilliant performance from Ruben, though he was lucky that Higuain didn’t make more of their tangle early in the first half. The jury remains out on Pau Cendros – whose awkward positioning almost gifted Higuain a perfect chance on goal – but for a debutant from the reserves he held his own, and little more can be expected against such gifted opposition. On the other flank, Ayoze swept up superbly.

It is hard not to be aggrieved at the way so many players have been poached from other clubs in the wake of Mallorca’s financial troubles and the expulsion from Europe. But there is certainly a light at the end of the tunnel. As bad as the exodus may have been, Mallorca have, in fact, retained a solid core of players, as evidence by the performance of the defence against Madrid. Most importantly, the spine continues further up the field with the experience of Marti and, most importantly, the skill of Castro. Coupled with some shrewd acquisitions and promotions from the reserves, the squad doesn’t actually look too unhealthy.

There is, of course, a severe lack of depth. However, if everyone remains fit there seems no reason why the first team should struggle, especially based on the performance against Madrid.

And it is Mallorca’s play further forward that perhaps provides the largest argument for optimism. With the defence holding its own against Madrid, Mallorca were at times able to express themselves brilliantly, with many displays of quick, effective passing almost carving through Madrid’s defence. A period of steady possession culminating in Castro’s close long range effort at the 40 minute mark is a prime example of this.

In the centre of midfield, Jonathan de Guzman showed his quality alongside Marti, keeping hold of the ball well. Nsue was another standout player, offering a constant threat whenever he was on the ball, and he certainly seems to be an excellent promotion from the reserves – and another reason to be excited for the season ahead.

The most impressive thing about the game, based on the opposition, was the way Mallorca conducted themselves. There was no intimidation, no feeling of inferiority. Everything Madrid threw at Mallorca’s defence was matched, and when Mallorca were able to venture forward their play was free-flowing and inventive. As well as being able to keep possession and build up patiently at times, the team looked sharp and dangerous on the counter attack – a trait that served Mallorca brilliantly last term.

There was also a great sprit about the team, which paid dividends come the final whistle. Everyone worked hard to keep Madrid at bay, and there was an excellent understanding between the players that, as the season takes shape, can only be positive.

Certainly, Mallorca provided the large, spirited home crowd with an excellent performance and created numerous chances against a side teaming with talent from front to back. The defence looks solid and the attacking play is more flowing and creative than anticipated, and if the team can start putting away chances, the signs for the forthcoming season look extremely bright. Against weaker opposition than Madrid, Mallorca may not struggle so much after all.

One mustn’t get carried away, and the targets for the season remain modest. But Mallorca have proved that they still have what it takes to hold their own, and even after the depletion of their squad, the team remains competitive.

Against Madrid, Mallorca claimed a hard-fought, well-deserved point. Based on the quality of the performance, it would be hard to disagree that all signs point to it being the first of many.

- Phil M.