"Players Must Only Think of Bayern Now": Real Madrid Stumbles in Champions League Warm-Up

While Bayern Munich managed to turn around an almost lost match in Freiburg, Real Madrid suffered a late knockout defeat on Mallorca.

Real Madrid failed its dress rehearsal ahead of the crucial Champions League clash against FC Bayern. The "Los Blancos" surprisingly lost 1-2 (0-1) to relegation-threatened RCD Mallorca, coached by Martin Demichelis. This defeat puts them at risk of losing touch early in the title race with FC Barcelona. Should the Catalans win against Atlético Madrid on Saturday evening, they could extend their lead to seven points.

Coach Álvaro Arbeloa took full responsibility at the press conference, stating: "This defeat is on me, and I told the players that as well. The responsibility lies entirely with me, and I want them to focus solely on Tuesday's match from now on."

On Saturday, Real Madrid played with a lineup that could potentially be used in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. Vinicius Junior was initially rested, while Kylian Mbappé started for the first time since February 21st.

Vini Jr.'s Introduction Fails to Turn the Tide

However, Manu Morlanes (41st minute) and Vedat Muriqi (90+1st minute) shocked the initially dominant Madrilenians. Even the introduction of Vinicius Junior in the 59th minute couldn't decisively alter the game; their only success was a temporary equalizer by Eder Militao from a corner in the 88th minute. This defeat ended Real Madrid's five-game winning streak.

"I am the one who makes the decisions, who makes the substitutions, and who dictates how they should play," Arbeloa said self-critically. "I expect them to give their absolute best in the Champions League, in a competition of utmost importance. Once they leave the locker room, they must only think of Bayern."

Meanwhile, FC Bayern Munich secured another victory despite trailing 0-2 against SC Freiburg. Tom Bischof and Lennart Karl turned the game around with late goals.