In a match that had fans on the edge of their seats, Atl. Madrid managed to secure a slender 1-0 victory against Mallorca at the iconic Estadi de Son Moix. This LaLiga clash, part of the 13th round for the 24/25 season, was a showcase of tactical brilliance, heart-stopping moments, and the sheer unpredictability that football brings to the table. The game, rich in stats and key moments, was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams, with Atl. Madrid edging out Mallorca to claim the three points.
The first half set the stage for what was to become a gripping encounter between two sides keen on imposing their will on the game. Mallorca, playing in front of their home crowd, showed great promise with a slight edge in ball possession, recording 52% compared to Atl. Madrid's 48%. This slight advantage, however, did not translate into a lead, as both teams struggled to find the back of the net. The expected goals metric, standing at 0.18 for Mallorca and a mere 0.07 for Atl. Madrid, highlighted the tight defensive setups and the cautious approach taken by both teams.
Despite the lack of goals, the match was not devoid of action. Mallorca and Atl. Madrid both had their share of opportunities, with the home side managing 4 total shots and Atl. Madrid 2 in the first half. Goalkeeper saves were crucial, with Atl. Madrid's keeper making 2 significant saves to keep the scoreline level. The battle in midfield was intense, reflected in the number of passes, with Mallorca making 267 and Atl. Madrid closely behind at 250.
First Half Stats Chart
As the second half unfolded, both teams showed renewed vigor in their pursuit of the opening goal. The momentum, however, shifted in favor of Atl. Madrid, who managed to increase their ball possession to 54% and significantly improve their expected goals to 0.56, indicating a more aggressive approach. The deadlock was finally broken, thanks to a well-executed move that saw J. Álvarez finding the net, making the most out of a big chance created by G. Simeone's precise assist. This goal, a result of meticulous buildup and execution, was the highlight of the match and showcased the clinical efficiency of Atl. Madrid's attack.
The home team, Mallorca, despite their efforts, couldn't capitalize on their chances, with their total shots increasing to 7 in the second half but failing to convert any into goals. The defensive solidity of Atl. Madrid was evident, with their goalkeeper making crucial saves to maintain their lead. The intensity of the match was also reflected in the number of tackles, with both teams making 12, showing the physicality and competitive nature of the clash.
Second Half Stats Chart
The match was a fascinating display of tactical football, with both teams implementing strategies that reflected their strengths and addressed their opponent's threats. Atl. Madrid's victory was a testament to their resilience and tactical acumen, managing to find the breakthrough in a match where chances were at a premium. The lone goal by J. Álvarez, assisted by G. Simeone, was a moment of brilliance that ultimately decided the outcome of the match.
The overall statistics provide a deeper insight into the nature of the game. Mallorca, with a ball possession of 53%, had more of the ball but struggled to make it count where it mattered most. Atl. Madrid, on the other hand, made their chances count, with an expected goals value of 0.63 indicating a more effective offensive performance. The defensive efforts of both teams were notable, with Atl. Madrid's goalkeeper making 5 saves throughout the match, a key factor in their clean sheet and victory.
Final Stats Chart
The goal-scoring incident was a clear highlight, showcasing Atl. Madrid's ability to execute in crucial moments. The buildup, precise passing, and clinical finish were indicative of a team that knows how to find a way through tight defenses. On the disciplinary front, the match saw a total of 3 yellow cards, with Atl. Madrid's discipline slightly better, receiving only 1 compared to Mallorca's 2. The tactical substitutions made throughout the match also had an impact, with both teams looking to freshen up their squads and introduce new dynamics to their play.
Atl. Madrid's narrow victory over Mallorca was a showcase of tactical football, with both teams displaying moments of brilliance. The match was decided by a single moment of quality, highlighting the fine margins that often determine the outcomes in football. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this performance, with Atl. Madrid aiming to maintain their winning momentum and Mallorca looking to bounce back stronger.
Mallorca Heatmap
Atl. Madrid Heatmap
Mallorca opted for a 4-4-2 formation in their latest match, a tactical setup that emphasizes balance between defense and attack. This formation, as shown in Mallorca Formation - 4-4-2 , allows teams to solidify their midfield while providing sufficient support to the strikers. The lineup was as follows:
This lineup shows a strong defensive setup with players like Martin Valjent and Antonio Raíllo, who both played the full 93 minutes, showcasing their defensive capabilities. In midfield, Sergi Darder stood out with a high rating of 7.9, indicating his crucial role in both defense and initiating attacks. The forward line, led by Vedat Muriqi, aimed to capitalize on the setup provided by the midfield but struggled to find the back of the net.
Missing Players for Mallorca included Takuma Asano (F) from Japan and Valery Fernández (D) from Spain, both due to injuries. Their absence might have limited the team's offensive options and depth in defense.
Atlético Madrid, under the guidance of their coach, chose a 4-4-1-1 formation, a slightly more conservative approach that focuses on midfield dominance and gradual build-up to attacks, as depicted in Atl. Madrid Formation - 4-4-1-1 . Their lineup was:
Atlético Madrid's formation and player selection show a blend of experienced and young talents. Jan Oblak, with a rating of 7.4, was instrumental in goal, making crucial saves that kept Mallorca at bay. The defensive line, anchored by José María Giménez, was solid throughout the match. In midfield, Koke's leadership was pivotal, while upfront, Julián Álvarez's goal was the difference-maker, highlighting the effectiveness of Atlético's tactical setup.
The team had to navigate without César Azpilicueta and Marcos Llorente, both doubtful due to injuries, and the absence of Robin Le Normand. These missing players could have added more depth and flexibility to their game plan.
The player stats reveal significant contributions across the board. For Mallorca, Sergi Darder's creative midfield presence was evident with the highest rating among his teammates and four key passes, showcasing his importance in Mallorca's attacking endeavors. In contrast, Atlético Madrid's Jan Oblak's five saves were crucial in securing the win for his team, emphasizing the goalkeeper's role in tight contests.
Both teams showed a strategic approach to the game, with Mallorca focusing on a balanced attack and defense, while Atlético Madrid leveraged their midfield's strength and defensive solidity to control the game's tempo. The chosen formations and player performances underscore the tactical battle between the two sides, with Atlético Madrid edging out thanks to their efficient use of chances and robust defensive setup.
In the latest round of LaLiga, round 13, we witnessed Atlético Madrid securing a narrow victory against Mallorca, with the final scoreline reading 1-0 in favor of the visitors. This match, held at the Estadi de Son Moix in Palma, Spain, with a capacity crowd of 23,000 spectators, was a testament to Atlético Madrid's resilience. The victory was clinched in the second half, marking a significant addition to Atlético Madrid's points tally, now standing at 26 from 13 matches. This win further cements their position in the top tier of the league, placing them third, just one point behind Real Madrid and seven points adrift of the league leaders, Barcelona.
Barcelona, leading the chart, has had an exceptional season so far, amassing 33 points from 12 matches, with an impressive goal difference of +29, thanks to their 40 goals scored against only 11 conceded. Real Madrid trails in the second position with 27 points, having played the same number of matches. Their goal difference stands at +14, with 25 goals scored. Villarreal occupies the fourth spot, rounding up the Champions League qualification positions, with 24 points from 12 matches and a goal difference of +4.
Mallorca, despite their recent defeat, finds themselves in a respectable eighth position, with 18 points from 13 matches. Their performance has been notably solid in defense, with goals scored and conceded both tallying to 10, reflecting a balanced team effort.
On the other end of the table, the battle against relegation intensifies. Espanyol, Real Valladolid, and Valencia occupy the last three positions, facing the grim prospect of relegation if their fortunes don't turn. Espanyol and Real Valladolid are tied at 10 and 8 points, respectively, from 12 matches each. Valencia finds itself at the bottom with 7 points from 11 matches, indicating a crucial phase ahead for these teams if they aim to retain their LaLiga status.
The victory for Atlético Madrid not only solidifies their position in the upper echelons of the league but also puts pressure on their city rivals and the league leaders. Mallorca, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back from this setback and aim for a higher finish, leveraging their balanced team dynamics. As the season progresses, the top four race and the battle to avoid relegation are shaping up to be fiercely competitive, promising an enthralling campaign ahead for fans and teams alike.
As we delve deeper into the season, the significance of each match grows exponentially. Atlético Madrid's latest victory over Mallorca is a crucial step in their campaign, keeping them in contention for the top spots. The teams at the bottom will need to muster all their strength and strategy to climb out of the relegation zone. With the league's dynamics constantly changing, every match, goal, and point could be decisive in shaping the final standings of LaLiga.
