Mallorca vs. Real Madrid: Complete Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and More

Real Madrid will travel to Son Moix on Saturday in hopes of increasing the size of its La Liga lead against Mallorca. The Whites currently sit atop the table with a five-point edge over their bitter rivals from Barcelona.

It's been a disappointing season for the Vermilions, who are currently tied for 13th place and are just three points above the relegation zone. After battling for the Primera Division lives at the end of last season, it's shaping up to be more of the same this year.

Real Madrid has enjoyed relatively smooth sailing so far. The trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema have been nearly unstoppable in the attacking third and the team's defense has been steady as well.

Where: Iberostar Stadium in Palma, Spain

When: Saturday, Jan. 14 at 2 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN3.com

Betting Odds: Real Madrid -420, Mallorca +1030, Draw +455

Player to Watch for Mallorca: Víctor Casadesus

Casadesus has received an uptick in playing time for Mallorca this season and has made the most of it. He's scored four goals in 14 games and has utilized a much more aggressive approach than was previously expected from him.

He's combined with Tomer Hemed to provide most of the Vermilions' goal-scoring during the campaign. It's a lack of depth behind them which has caused some offensive droughts. If Mallorca is going to keep it close, Casadesus will need to be in rare form.

Player to Watch for Real Madrid: Mesut Ozil

Everybody knows about Real Madrid's three talented strikers, but somebody has to be feeding those dynamic weapons the ball. More often than not, it has been Angel Di Maria or Ozil.

With the former still working to overcome a nagging injury, the onus will be on Ozil on Saturday.

The German national team member has eight assists in 16 games. He's always been known for his distribution skills but really took his game to the next level last season. It appears he's carried over that momentum into the current campaign and should continue to have a major impact.

Key Matchup: Vermilions' back line vs. Whites attack

Mallorca enters the game knowing it has no chance of keeping up with Real Madrid if they play an open style of play. That means the Vermilions will need to hunker down on the back end and hope to keep the Whites out of prime scoring positions.

It's easier said than done of course, especially since Ronaldo will be a man on a mission after falling short in player of the year voting once again.

If he can lead Real Madrid to its usual possession domination, the Whites should cruise.

What They're Saying

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho refuses to make any bold statements about the title chase despite his team's sizable lead as the season nears its halfway point, according to Goal.com.

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Nevertheless, Mourinho has stressed the title race isn't over just yet, with the two sides due to meet once again at Camp Nou before the end of the current campaign.

"No, we've lost five points in three days earlier this season. You can easily lose five points in only a few games," Mourinho said during a press conference.

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Mourinho has also spent time defending Ronaldo, who has been criticized for his lack of jubilation when he scores goals, based on a report from ESPNsoccernet. So much for the old cliché about acting like he's been there before.

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"He seems fine to me," Mourinho told reporters, ahead of their Copa del Rey last-16 second leg away to Malaga on Tuesday night. "I think it is more relevant that he celebrates the goals that win games and not the fifth goal in the 90th minute.”

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Prediction

Real Madrid 3, Mallorca 0