Vinícius sidelined as Madrid eye Mallorca; Diaz to lead the line with Mbappé in Europe-bound plan
3 April 2026
What’s at stake
Vinícius Júnior will miss Real Madrid’s trip to Mallorca due to fatigue, with Ibrahim Díaz set to start and join Mbappé in a front line that Madrid hope can keep pace with their title rivals.
Starting XI according to Marca
According to Marca, the Merengues will line up with Lunin in goal, a back four of Arnold, Rudiger, Huesen and Careras, a midfield quartet of Arda Güler, Tchouaméni, Camavinga and Bellingham, and an attacking pair of Ibrahim Díaz and Mbappé.
Big picture
There are no injuries announced, but Vinícius is said to be carrying significant fatigue, having featured in 55 of 57 games since the Club World Cup in the summer. The club believes a measured rest and rehab plan is the best course at this stage.
Ahead of Bayern Munich clash
The Mallorca match precedes a highly important European tie as Real Madrid host Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Punchline 1: If fatigue had a jersey, Vinícius would be its captain.
Punchline 2: Madrid’s calendar is so full that even their sleep mode needs VAR approval.
