Real Madrid vs Mallorca is almost here! Will Vinicius Jr dazzle on his potential return, and could we see a surprise start for Alexander-Arnold? The stakes are high in this last La Liga showdown before the international break. Who do you think will be the key player?

As Real Madrid prepares to host Mallorca in what promises to be a pivotal fixture of the 2025-26 La Liga season, anticipation is building around the strategic decisions facing manager Xabi Alonso. This encounter, marking the third game of the new campaign, carries additional weight as it is the final competitive outing before the highly anticipated FIFA international break, influencing team selection and player management significantly.

Manager Xabi Alonso is expected to consider a series of tactical rotations, a move aimed at preserving player fitness and managing the squad’s energy levels ahead of a demanding season. With key international fixtures on the horizon, ensuring players are fresh and minimizing injury risks will be paramount, particularly for those who will depart for national team duties.

A major talking point revolves around the highly anticipated return of Vinicius Jr to the starting lineup. The dynamic winger’s presence is expected to inject a renewed surge of pace, creativity, and goal-scoring threat into Real Madrid’s attack, providing a significant boost as they seek to establish early dominance in the league standings against Mallorca.

Furthermore, the possibility of Alexander-Arnold earning a starting berth is gaining traction among analysts. Given that the versatile player will remain in Madrid during the upcoming international break, unlike Dani Carvajal who is set to join the Spanish National Team, his inclusion offers Alonso a compelling option for defensive solidity and offensive prowess from the wide areas.

These potential changes highlight Real Madrid’s deep squad capabilities and Alonso’s philosophy of utilizing his full roster to navigate the rigors of a long season. Beyond the named individuals, other squad members will be vying for a chance to impress and secure their spot, ensuring competitive internal dynamics within the team.

Mallorca, known for their resilient defensive setups and counter-attacking prowess, will undoubtedly pose a stern test. Their strategy will likely involve compact lines and disciplined defending, aiming to frustrate Real Madrid’s potent attack and exploit any potential spaces left open by the home side’s offensive movements, making for an intriguing tactical battle.

The outcome of this fixture will not only influence Real Madrid’s immediate position in the La Liga table but also set the tone for the squad’s morale and momentum heading into the international hiatus. Securing a convincing win at home against Mallorca before players disperse for national duty is a clear objective for Alonso and his team, reinforcing their title aspirations early on.