Sunday’s LaLiga showdown at Mallorca Son Moix Stadium is shaping up to be a fascinating clash, as RCD Mallorca—currently languishing in 19th place—host an Atlético Madrid side eager to bounce back from recent disappointment. The match, set for 10:15 AM ET and broadcast on ESPN Deportes, ESPN+, and Fubo TV, comes at a critical moment for both clubs, with pressure mounting and narratives swirling on and off the pitch.
For Mallorca, the season has been anything but smooth sailing. With just one point from their opening four matches, Los Piratas have struggled to find their footing amid internal turmoil and on-field woes. Their defeats have come at the hands of heavyweights like Barcelona and Real Madrid, as well as a resurgent Espanyol. But it’s not just the results that have raised eyebrows; the club’s internal dynamics have become a talking point across Spanish football.
Club captain Dani Rodríguez’s recent dispute with manager Jagoba Arrasate led to his being stripped of the armband and handed a 10-day pay suspension—a move that sent shockwaves through the squad. Although Rodríguez has since returned to first-team training, Arrasate has made it clear that the veteran midfielder won’t be featuring in matchday squads for the foreseeable future. According to reports from Spanish journalists, Rodríguez is not alone in his discontent, suggesting a deeper rift within the dressing room. That’s a big concern for a side already struggling to keep up in Spain’s top flight.
On the pitch, Mallorca’s problems are just as glaring. The team has been outscored 9-4 so far, giving them a -5 goal differential that ranks 18th in LaLiga. They’ve been outshot 58-45, and their -13 shot differential puts them at 14th in the league. While their 85 crosses and 139 long passes attempted rank them a respectable sixth in those categories, the lack of end product has been costly. Only Girona has conceded more goals than Mallorca this season, a stat that underscores the defensive frailties plaguing the islanders.
Offensively, Vedat Muriqi has been a rare bright spot. With three goals in three games, the striker has carried much of the scoring burden. Mateu Morey has chipped in with a goal of his own, while creative midfielder Sergi Darder has been the team’s best chance creator, racking up eight created chances and one assist in four matches. But with so few others stepping up, the pressure on Mallorca’s key men is immense.
Atlético Madrid arrive on the back of a gut-wrenching 3-2 loss to Liverpool at Anfield in the UEFA Champions League—a defeat that stung not just because of the narrow margin, but because it exposed the squad’s current limitations. Manager Diego Simeone, speaking at his Saturday press conference, acknowledged the brutal fixture congestion his side faces: this Mallorca clash is the third of seven matches in a relentless 22-day stretch. "We have to manage the squad carefully and keep everyone ready for what’s ahead," Simeone emphasized.
Despite the loss in Europe, Atlético’s domestic form has shown promise. They sit 12th in LaLiga, with a +1 goal differential and a shot differential of +7.0 per match—third-best in the league. Their 111 crosses attempted tops LaLiga, and their pass completion rate of 92.2% is the fourth-highest. These numbers suggest a team that, while not yet firing on all cylinders, is controlling games and creating opportunities.
In attack, Nicolás González has emerged as a key figure, notching a goal in his only league appearance so far. Giuliano Simeone has also found the net, while Julian Alvarez leads the team with seven created chances and an assist. The depth of Atlético’s squad will be tested, however, with several key players unavailable for this trip to Palma. José María Giménez, Álex Baena, Thiago Almada, and Johnny Cardoso are all sidelined, and Julian Alvarez’s fitness will be assessed just before kickoff—though he’s unlikely to start. Dávid Hancko’s improved ankle means he’s expected to return at left-back, with Clément Lenglet likely partnering Robin Le Normand in central defense. In midfield, either Koke or Conor Gallagher will join Pablo Barrios, with the captain Koke expected to get the nod if fit.
Up front, options abound. Giacomo Raspadori impressed in midweek and could be rewarded with a start, while Antoine Griezmann and Alexander Sørloth are both keen to make an impact from the outset. New signing Nico González seems to have locked down the left-wing role, at least until Baena and Almada return to fitness. The predicted lineup from Spanish outlets looks like this: Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Hancko; Giuliano Simeone, Barrios, Gallagher, Nico; Griezmann, Raspadori. But with so many matches on the horizon, don’t be surprised if Simeone shuffles his pack at the last minute.
The recent history of this fixture adds another layer of intrigue. Atlético have won 1-0 on each of their last two visits to Son Moix, but the two seasons prior saw Mallorca flip the script. Since Mallorca’s promotion in 2019, no match between these sides has produced more than two goals, making this clash a likely candidate for another tight, tense affair. Both teams have struggled to score more than twice in a game this season, and with Mallorca’s defensive woes and Atlético’s absences, it’s anyone’s guess how this one will unfold.
Looking at the upcoming schedule, the stakes are high for both teams. Mallorca face tough tests against Real Sociedad and Deportivo Alaves in the coming week, while Atlético have their eyes on a Madrid derby showdown with Real Madrid after hosting Rayo Vallecano. The pressure to pick up points now could have a big impact on the trajectory of each club’s season.
For Mallorca, unity and resilience will be key if they’re to claw their way out of the relegation zone and put internal strife behind them. For Atlético, the challenge is to manage resources, maintain momentum, and avoid further slip-ups in a crowded calendar. With both sides desperate for a result and plenty of subplots simmering beneath the surface, Sunday’s match promises to be a compelling watch for LaLiga fans everywhere.
As kickoff approaches at Son Moix, all eyes will be on the lineups and the opening exchanges. Will Atlético Madrid’s quality and depth shine through, or can Mallorca rally amid adversity to spring a surprise? With the action about to unfold, anticipation is running high—and the story of this LaLiga season is far from written.
