Neither Mbappé nor Bellingham: Madrid Erupts in Praise for One Player After Real vs Mallorca

Real Madrid fans have a new hero following their dominant 3-0 victory over Mallorca in the semi-final of the 2025 Spanish Super Cup. However, it wasn’t Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, or Vinícius Júnior who stole the limelight. Instead, it was young Raúl Asensio, a 21-year-old center-back, who captured the hearts of Madridistas worldwide with a flawless performance.

After securing a place in the final against Barcelona, Madrid fans were buzzing with excitement. Barcelona had earlier triumphed over Athletic Bilbao, setting the stage for a fierce battle between the two Spanish giants. Real Madrid, determined not to let this opportunity slip away, took on Mallorca in the other semi-final. Despite a goalless first half, Madrid’s resilience shone through in the second, where a poacher’s goal from Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock. But the real story of the match was unfolding on the pitch in the form of Raúl Asensio.

The Key Moment: Asensio’s Immediate Impact

Raúl Asensio had a significant role to play in this decisive match, though it wasn’t at the start. He came on as a substitute in the 55th minute, replacing Aurélien Tchouaméni, who had been forced off after a heavy head collision. From the moment he stepped onto the pitch, Asensio made his presence felt in a way that few young players could.

His composure on the ball and his defensive capabilities were on full display as Mallorca’s attacking threats were quickly neutralized. In just 35 minutes, Asensio completed 24 out of 25 passes, achieving a near-perfect 96% passing accuracy. He also excelled in longer passes, completing all three attempts with a 100% success rate. But it wasn’t just his distribution that earned praise—his defensive actions were nothing short of spectacular.

Defending With Precision and Passion

Asensio’s defensive contributions were critical in securing the win. He made two crucial interceptions, halted Mallorca’s attacking momentum with two well-timed tackles, and won both of his duels. His positioning and reading of the game were impeccable, leaving little room for Mallorca to find any gaps in Real Madrid’s defense. For a player who had only recently been thrust into the limelight, his maturity and poise under pressure were outstanding.

But beyond his technical skills, it was Asensio’s mentality that truly stood out. His determination and leadership qualities began to shine through as the game progressed, and it wasn’t long before he became the talk of the match.

A Clash of Characters: Asensio vs Maffeo

One of the defining moments of the match was Asensio’s confrontation with Mallorca’s defender, Maffeo. The Spanish full-back had previously made controversial remarks about Vinícius Júnior, claiming he could knock him out in a boxing match in just ten seconds. These comments had already caused a stir among Madrid fans, and when the two players clashed on the pitch, Asensio didn’t hesitate to show his support for Vinícius.

With Mallorca trailing 3-0 and looking desperate, Maffeo was about to be substituted when Asensio, sensing an opportunity to put him in his place, turned to the Mallorca defender and shouted, “Get out, leave quickly, you’re terrible, you’re terrible.” As tensions flared, Maffeo’s teammates rushed to defend him, but Asensio stood firm, showing a rare level of resilience and composure.

Madrid Fans React to Asensio’s Heroic Display

As the match concluded, it was clear that Raúl Asensio had captured the imagination of Madridistas around the world. His performance had been nothing short of a masterclass, and fans quickly took to social media to express their admiration. While Bellingham, Vinícius, and Rodrygo all earned praise for their goals, it was Asensio’s defensive heroics and fiery spirit that were the talk of the town.

The young defender’s display of character and leadership didn’t go unnoticed, even by manager Carlo Ancelotti, who downplayed the significance of the moment but still acknowledged Asensio’s contribution to the team’s success. Asensio had stepped into a crucial role and delivered when his team needed him most.

Social Media Buzz: “MI GUERRERO”

Madrid fans flooded social media with praise for Asensio, dubbing him “MI GUERRERO” (My Warrior) for his courage and passion. Videos of his confrontation with Maffeo went viral, with fans applauding his ability to stand up for his teammates and display such maturity at such a young age. It was clear that Asensio’s reputation had soared overnight, and his place in the hearts of Madrid fans was now secure.

Asensio’s Rise Through the Ranks

Raúl Asensio’s rise through the ranks of Real Madrid has been one marked by hard work and dedication. His impressive performance against Mallorca was the culmination of years of development within the club’s youth system. Having been promoted to the first team in recent months, Asensio’s display in the Super Cup semi-final was a testament to his readiness to step up and take on the responsibility of playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world.

His performance is a reminder that, while stars like Mbappé and Bellingham dominate the headlines, the strength of a team often lies in the contributions of its unsung heroes. Asensio’s work ethic and determination embody the Real Madrid spirit—something that fans value deeply.

Asensio’s Future at Real Madrid

Asensio’s performance has raised questions about his future at the club. With his standout display in such a high-profile match, it’s clear that the young defender is capable of more than just filling in when needed. His solid showing against Mallorca could mark the beginning of a more prominent role for him in Ancelotti’s squad, particularly as the team pushes forward in the Super Cup final against Barcelona and throughout the remainder of the season.

Real Madrid’s defensive issues have been a topic of concern for a while, but if Asensio can continue his development at this rate, he may well become a key figure in their defensive lineup. His ability to read the game, coupled with his technical skills, makes him a valuable asset to the team.

Ancelotti’s Tactical Praise

While Ancelotti kept his comments about Asensio’s off-pitch altercation to a minimum, he did praise the young defender for his on-field performance. The Real Madrid manager has been known to place a great deal of importance on discipline and composure, but in this instance, Asensio’s fiery reaction to Maffeo demonstrated that he is not only a technically gifted player but also someone who will fight for his team in any situation.

Real Madrid’s Road to Glory

As Real Madrid prepare for their upcoming clash against Barcelona in the final, the team’s supporters will be hoping that players like Asensio continue to rise to the occasion. With the defense looking more solid than it has in recent months and Bellingham continuing to shine in midfield, Madrid fans have every reason to be optimistic about the club’s prospects in the 2025 Spanish Super Cup and beyond.

A New Madrid Hero

Raúl Asensio may not have been the first name on everyone’s lips before the match against Mallorca, but he certainly is now. His powerful performance, both defensively and emotionally, has earned him the adoration of Madrid fans and a place among the club’s heroes. As the season progresses, Asensio will be one to watch as he continues to make his mark on the first team.

In the world of football, it’s often the unsung heroes who become the most beloved, and Asensio’s performance against Mallorca is a shining example of this. With his combination of skill, composure, and fire, the future is bright for Real Madrid’s newest warrior.