At 10:15 am on Sunday 21 September, the Atletico Madrid squad will step onto the grass at Estadi Son Moix for a La Liga showdown against Mallorca. The match marks the third round of the Spanish top flight, and the venue will be buzzing with more than 23,000 fans hoping to see their side claim a crucial three points.
For the hosts, the stakes are simple: snap a winless streak that has stretched across four league fixtures. Their last outing saw a 3‑2 defeat to Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium, a game in which they dominated possession with 62 % and fired ten shots on target, yet still fell short. Goal‑scorer Vedat Muriqi did his part, but the overall result left Mallorca searching for answers. A win would not only lift morale but also keep their survival hopes alive.
Across the border in Madrid, Los Colchoneros come in buoyed by a 2‑0 triumph over Villarreal at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. That match featured 61 % possession, three clear‑cut chances, and goals from Pablo Barrios and Nico Gonzalez. However, the joy from the domestic win is tempered by a 3‑2 loss to Liverpool in the Champions League a few days earlier. The late‑stage goal concession may have rattled the squad, but the manager’s message remains focused on domestic consistency.
When you stack the recent form numbers, the contrast is stark. Mallorca have recorded one draw and three defeats, collecting just a single point from their opening four games. Their defensive frailties are evident, conceding eight goals while scoring only three. On the flip side, Atletico have amassed six points from their first three league matches, boasting a solid defensive record of just two goals allowed.
The head‑to‑head ledger further tips the balance. In the last ten meetings between the two clubs, Atletico have emerged victorious seven times. That dominance includes a 3‑0 win in the previous season’s derby, underscoring a psychological edge that often translates into betting markets.
Speaking of line‑ups, the anticipated starting eleven for Atletico is likely to feature keeper Jan Oblak, a back‑four anchored by Kieran Trippier and Stefan Savić, with a midfield trio of Marcos Llorente, Thomas Ludwig and the ever‑reliable Koke. Up front, Antoine Griezmann is expected to lead the attack, supported by the in‑form Nico Gonzalez.
Mallorca, on the other hand, may line up with the Argentine keeper Jaume Losada between the sticks, a defense built around José Gómez Ramos and Pedro Bellón, and a midfield spearheaded by John McGinn. Up front, Muriqi and Álex Abrines are expected to shoulder the goal‑scoring burden.
Bookmakers have already priced the outcome heavily in favour of the visitors. The current win odds for Atletico sit at -139, translating to a 58 % implied probability. Draw odds hover around +340, while a Mallorca win is listed at +500, reflecting a 16 % implied chance for a surprise upset.
Beyond the straightforward 1X2 market, experts are eyeing a few specific lines that offer value:
From a tactical perspective, Atletico are likely to deploy a compact, counter‑attacking shape that exploits the pace of Griezmann and Gonzalez. Their midfield will aim to control possession but also spring quick passes over a Mallorca defense that has been vulnerable to swift transitions. For the home side, the key will be pressing high to disrupt Atletico’s buildup and creating set‑piece opportunities, an area where they have scored three of their five season goals.
Travel logistics could also play a subtle role. Atletico’s recent Champions League trip to Liverpool involved a long flight and minimal recovery time before this La Liga fixture. The squad’s ability to bounce back will test the depth of their bench and the effectiveness of the coaching staff’s rotation policy.
On the fan front, Mallorca supporters are eager to break their winless streak, hoping that the home crowd’s energy will lift the team. Meanwhile, Atletico’s travelling fans often bring a lively atmosphere, capable of intimidating opponents even on foreign soil.
All the variables—form, head‑to‑head history, player availability and betting odds—point to a match where Atletico are the clear favorites, yet football’s unpredictability always leaves room for a shock. Whether the game folds into a low‑scoring affair or opens up with a surprise goal, the intrigue lies in watching how the two tactical approaches clash on the pitch.