Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa took full responsibility for his team's dramatic 2-1 loss to Mallorca that dealt a significant blow to their LaLiga title hopes. The visitors conceded in the 91st minute when Vedat Muriqi scored the winner after Éder Militão had equalized in the 88th minute, leaving Madrid four points behind Barcelona in the standings.

Arbeloa's decision to leave Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham out of the starting lineup proved costly as Madrid chased the game from behind. Manu Morlanes had given Mallorca a first-half lead before the late drama unfolded. The defeat came against the run of form for Madrid, who had won five consecutive matches including a Champions League victory over Manchester City and a derby win against Atlético.

The loss complicates Madrid's title defense with eight matches remaining, though Arbeloa remained defiant about their chances. He described the decision to rest Bellingham, still recovering from a hamstring injury, as necessary for the midfielder's long-term fitness. Mallorca's victory was particularly emotional for Muriqi, who had recently missed out on World Cup qualification with Kosovo.