In a night dripping with drama and desperation, Real Madrid defied the odds to secure a heart-stopping 2-1 victory over Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabéu on May 14, 2025. With their LaLiga title hopes hanging by a thread, Carlo Ancelotti’s injury-ravaged squad delivered a performance for the ages, proving yet again that in football, miracles are possible until the final whistle.

A Night of Early Shocks and Relentless Pressure

The match began ominously for Madrid as Mallorca, fighting to avoid relegation, stunned the Bernabéu crowd in the 11th minute. Defender Martin Valjent exploited disorganized defending, slotting home an angled shot after a poorly cleared corner. The early goal amplified the tension in the stadium, with Madrid’s threadbare squad—missing 12 players to injury and suspension—facing a daunting uphill battle.

Yet Los Blancos responded like champions. They monopolized possession (72%) and unleashed a barrage of 39 shots, but Mallorca’s resolute defense and goalkeeper Leo Román’s heroics (11 saves) kept them at bay. For over an hour, Madrid’s frustration grew as golden chances went begging, with Vinícius Jr. hitting the post and Jude Bellingham denied by a last-ditch block.

Mbappé Magic and a Debutant’s Dream

The breakthrough finally came in the 68th minute, courtesy of Kylian Mbappé. The French superstar, already boasting 39 goals this season, danced past three defenders before rifling a low shot into the corner. His 40th goal of the campaign ignited the Bernabéu, but Mallorca’s stubbornness suggested a draw was inevitable—a result that would have handed Barcelona the title.

Enter Jacobo Ramón. The 19-year-old academy center-back, making his first LaLiga start, etched his name into Madrid folklore in the fifth minute of stoppage time. When a looping cross evaded Mallorca’s defense, Ramón—poised like a veteran—volleyed home from close range, sending the stadium into pandemonium. His winner wasn’t just a goal; it was a lifeline, a symbol of Madrid’s refusal to surrender.

By the Numbers: A Dominance Defying Logic

Madrid’s statistical dominance bordered on absurdity: 39 shots to Mallorca’s 4, 26 corners to zero, and 72% possession. Yet the scoreline until the 95th minute reflected football’s cruel beauty. Mallorca’s Román delivered a goalkeeping masterclass, while Valjent’s goal epitomized their tactical discipline. But Madrid’s relentless pressure, fueled by Mbappé’s brilliance and the courage of youth, ultimately prevailed.

Title Race: Alive by a Thread

The victory delays Barcelona’s title celebrations, keeping Madrid four points behind their rivals. However, Barça can still clinch the trophy with a win over Espanyol in their game in hand. For Madrid, this win is more than three points—it’s a statement of resilience. With key players like Thibaut Courtois and Eduardo Camavinga sidelined, the reliance on academy talents like Ramón and the leadership of veterans like Dani Carvajal underscores the squad’s depth and spirit.

Heroes and Heartbreak

While Ramón’s fairytale moment stole headlines, Mallorca’s Román deserved equal acclaim. His reflexes and bravery kept his team in contention, exemplifying why underdogs so often punch above their weight. For Madrid, the win is a testament to their culture of never giving up, a ethos ingrained from the academy to the stars.

What’s Next?

Madrid’s focus now shifts to their final match, while Barcelona face Espanyol in a potential title-decider. Even if the odds remain steep, this comeback reaffirms Madrid’s belief in the impossible. As Ancelotti quipped post-match, “At this club, you don’t stop fighting until the mathematics say otherwise.”

For one night, at least, the Bernabéu faithful dared to dream. And in football, dreams—no matter how improbable—are what keep the heart beating.