Jacobo Ramón’s Stoppage Goal Keeps Title Race Alive \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Real Madrid secured a dramatic 2-1 win over Mallorca with a stoppage-time goal to delay Barcelona’s La Liga title celebration. Jacobo Ramón’s late strike followed Kylian Mbappé’s equalizer, helping Madrid maintain faint hopes in the title race. Despite slim odds, Madrid refuses to concede, citing pride and tradition.
Quick Looks
- Jacobo Ramón scores five minutes into injury time for 2-1 win.
- Madrid rallies from early 1-0 deficit to defeat Mallorca.
- Mbappé scores his 28th league goal, leads scoring race.
- Barcelona can still clinch title with win at Espanyol.
- Madrid must win remaining games and hope for Barça collapse.
- Thibaut Courtois: “We always must fight until the end.”
- Madrid lost all four ‘clasico’ matches to Barcelona this season.
- Coach Ancelotti receives mixed reception amid Brazil job news.
- Club silent on Ancelotti’s departure or next coaching move.
- Xabi Alonso rumored to be Ancelotti’s successor at Madrid.
- Leganes nears relegation after 3-0 loss to Villarreal.
- Alaves gains safety cushion with win over Valencia.
Deep Look
Real Madrid’s Dramatic Win Over Mallorca Delays Barcelona’s Title Party and Extends Pride-Fueled Fight
Real Madrid may no longer be in firm control of the La Liga title race, but they sent a clear message to their eternal rivals on Wednesday: they won’t hand over the crown without a fight. In a dramatic late rally at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Real Madrid came from behind to beat Mallorca 2-1, thanks to Jacobo Ramón’s sensational strike deep into stoppage time. The goal did more than secure three points—it postponed Barcelona’s long-anticipated title celebration, at least temporarily.
This result, though unlikely to change the ultimate outcome of the season, was steeped in symbolism, pride, and defiance. It marked Madrid’s refusal to be the team that passively watches their fiercest rival lift the league trophy without resistance.
Madrid Plays for Pride in Waning Title Race
Despite the win, the mathematical odds remain stacked against Los Blancos. Barcelona maintains a four-point lead atop the table and can still clinch the La Liga title with a win against city rivals Espanyol on Thursday. But for Madrid, the importance of this victory goes beyond points. The team sought redemption after losing all four ‘clasico’ matchups this season—a humiliating record that saw them outscored 16-7 by their greatest adversary.
On Wednesday, Madrid fought not just for survival in the standings, but to restore honor in a season overshadowed by Barcelona’s dominance in direct clashes. The Bernabéu faithful had watched in frustration as their side fell short repeatedly in head-to-head battles, culminating in a 4-3 defeat in the final ‘clasico’ where Kylian Mbappé’s hat trick wasn’t enough to secure a win.
The Game: A Tale of Two Halves
Madrid’s night started with concern as Mallorca took an early lead through Martin Valjent in the 11th minute, catching the home side flat-footed. Mallorca, fighting for mid-table security, defended resolutely and looked set to spoil the party once again. Madrid, missing key starters due to injuries, struggled for fluency in the final third despite racking up chance after chance.
Enter Kylian Mbappé. The French star leveled the match in the 68th minute with a solo effort, dribbling past two defenders before smashing home his 28th goal of the season. With three more than Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski, Mbappé remains on course to win the Pichichi Trophy for La Liga’s top scorer.
But the match was headed for a draw—until Jacobo Ramón stepped up. Deep into stoppage time, Ramón capitalized on a loose ball inside the box, driving it past the goalkeeper to seal a last-gasp win. The goal sent shockwaves through the crowd and delayed Barcelona’s potential title celebration, which could now happen away from the Bernabéu spotlight.
Courtois, Ancelotti Emphasize Madrid’s Mentality
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois reflected the team’s never-say-die ethos. “When we wear this shield, we always must fight until the end,” he said post-match. “Even though there is still a big gap, we will keep fighting until it’s mathematically impossible.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by coach Carlo Ancelotti, whose future at Madrid is all but concluded. The 65-year-old Italian has been confirmed as Brazil’s next national team coach but continues to lead Madrid in its final matches. His appearance on the sidelines at the Bernabéu drew a lukewarm response, as the club has yet to formally address his departure. Fans clapped respectfully, but there were no tributes or send-offs from management—a striking silence for a man who helped lead Madrid to three Champions League titles across two stints.
“There was nothing different,” Ancelotti said. “Every time I sit on the bench at the Bernabéu, it’s something special.”
A Quiet Exit for Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso on Standby
Ancelotti’s exit ends an era of relative success. Since his return to Madrid in 2021, he has delivered a Champions League, a La Liga title, and several domestic trophies. However, this season’s only silverware—a UEFA Super Cup—is seen as underwhelming for a club of Madrid’s stature.
With Ancelotti bound for Brazil, former midfielder Xabi Alonso is widely tipped to take over. Alonso recently announced he will leave Bayer Leverkusen at season’s end, fueling speculation about a return to the club where he once marshaled the midfield. Yet, Madrid’s board has remained silent, keeping fans guessing.
Squad Depth, Injuries Continue to Haunt Madrid
Madrid was once again without several regular starters, including defensive and midfield linchpins. The lack of depth showed early, as Mallorca’s compact setup frustrated Madrid’s buildup play. Still, the hosts managed nearly 40 attempts on goal, a testament to their attacking persistence even without a full-strength squad.
This raises questions about the need for summer reinforcements, especially with Ancelotti’s successor expected to oversee a transitional phase. Madrid’s aging midfield and defensive inconsistencies must be addressed if the club is to reclaim domestic dominance next season.
Relegation Tension Builds at the Bottom
While the title race remains on ice for at least another day, the battle for survival in La Liga is heating up. Leganes, promoted just last season and owned by former Houston Astros executive Jeff Luhnow, suffered a damaging 3-0 defeat to fifth-placed Villarreal. The loss leaves them in 18th place, four points behind Alaves, the lowest-ranked team currently above the drop zone.
Alaves widened the gap with a 1-0 win over Valencia, a result that could prove decisive in the fight to avoid relegation. Leganes now faces an uphill battle to preserve its top-flight status, needing near-perfect results in its final fixtures and help from others.
What’s Next: A Title Decided in Catalonia?
All eyes now shift to Barcelona’s clash against Espanyol. A win for Xavi’s squad will confirm them as La Liga champions regardless of Madrid’s efforts. But should they stumble, Real Madrid’s fight continues—symbolically at least—as they prepare to host Real Sociedad in the final round at the Bernabéu.
For Madrid, it’s a season that may end without a major title, but with the enduring pride of a team that refuses to fold—even when the odds say otherwise.
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