Real Madrid visit Real Mallorca on Saturday as they look to continue their La Liga momentum in a Champions League clash with Premier League champions Manchester City. Carlo Ancelotti’s side are eight points clear at the top of the table and face a tough balancing act ahead of next Wednesday’s second leg at the Etihad Stadium after a 3-3 draw earlier in the week. With El Clasico looming, taking their focus off the ball domestically could be a serious mistake.

Resurgent rivals Barcelona, ​​second in the table, visit the Santiago Bernabeu on April 21, desperate to get back into the title race in order to defend their title.

Copa del Rey runners-up Mallorca are enjoying a strong season and despite falling short of claiming the club’s first cup trophy since 2003, they will receive a hero’s welcome at the Son Moix Stadium.

Javier Aguirre’s side, in 15th place, also need to turn their attention to La Liga quickly, just six points off the relegation zone with eight games remaining.

Mallorca could benefit if Ancelotti decides to rotate his squad to keep players sharp in the Champions League, although the Italian has a number of strong backup options.

Brahim Diaz, Joselu and veteran Luka Modric are all likely to feature, while defender Eder Militao could make his first start since a long-term knee injury.

Ancelotti said his forwards – leading goalscorer Jude Bellingham, Brazilian duo Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo – gave their all in the City tie. this game.

“The job they did up front was really good… maybe they didn’t have the freshness they usually have and they did a great defensive job and allowed us to control the game,” the coach said.

There has been some bad blood between the Mallorca defender and Madrid winger Vinicius in the past.

The Brazilian was jeered by full-back Pablo Maffeo during a game last season, with the Argentinian making a crying gesture at the 23-year-old after complaining about being fouled.

Maffeo broke down in tears during the penalty shootout defeat to Athletic Bilbao in the cup final and Real Madrid fans were quick to remind him of his row with Vinicius on social media.

The defender deleted his account on X (formerly Twitter) following the abuse he received from Real Madrid fans.

Maffeo added fuel to the fire last year when he said: “We’re not angry with him for nothing, but maybe there is.”

If Ancelotti decides not to rest Vinicius, their individual duel will be compelling.

Aguirre says Mallorca’s defeat in the Copa del Rey final will motivate his players to push forward in La Liga.

“Absolutely, I’ll let them absorb the defeat and then we have to be ready,” the veteran Mexican coach said last week.

Player to Watch: Nico Williams

The Athletic Bilbao winger played a key role in the team’s Copa del Rey conquest last weekend and his next challenge will be to inspire his side to a win over Villarreal to help them compete for a top four spot for the first time Return to the Champions League. time since the 2014-15 season.

key statistics

0.61 – Real Madrid goalkeeper Andre Lunin still concedes the lowest number of goals per 90 minutes in Spain despite a mistake from Andre Lunin in the Champions League against Manchester City

31 – The Argentinian has made the most appearances in the top flight this season, the most of any nationality except Spaniards

82 – Valencia forward Hugo Duro is the most fouled player in La Liga

Fixtures (all times in GMT)

Friday

Real Betis v Celta Vigo (1900)

Saturday

Atletico Madrid v Girona (1200), Rayo Vallecano v Getafe (1415), Mallorca v Real Madrid (1630), Cadiz v Barcelona (1900)

Sunday

Las Palmas v Sevilla (1,200), Granada v Alaves (1,415), Athletic Bilbao v Villarreal (1,630), Real Sociedad v Almeria (1,900)

on Monday

Osasuna of Valencia (1900)

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