Primera Division Game Week 1 – Mallorca vs. Real Madrid

Mallorca is set to begin the 2010~2011 Primera Division season against serious title contenders, Real Madrid on Sunday at ONO Estadi, Palma di Mallorca.

The opening night fixture will feature the debut of newly appointed manager Jose Mourinho as he looks to end a two-year title drought in domestic action. Bitter rivals Barcelona have dominated these last two seasons and Real Madrid has had to play second fiddle during this time.

That ‘s not all that the Portuguese national was hired for; the club aspires to win the UEFA Champions League title this season and who better for the job than the man that led Inter Milan to Championship glory last season.

[Off topic: by the way, do you want to get a 60% bonus on your first deposit here at BetOnline? So go on JOIN NOW.]

Mourinho’s first test at the helm isn’t an easy one. Mallorca loom threatening. The islanders finished fifth last season in La Liga, but had at times occupied a spot within the top four.

Expectations are running high as Mourinho and the made over Madrilenos make their debut; hopefully, a winsome debut.

Soccer Betting Line:

Mallorca +1½ -130 +700 3 O -105 U -115 ½ O -130 U +110 Draw +375
Real Madrid -1½ +110 -275 3 O -105 U -115 2 O -140 U +120 Draw +375

Match Time: 02:00 PM AM Eastern Time (20:00 Local Time) Sunday August 29, 2010

Soccer Betting Verdict: This match will be the first test for newly appointed manager Jose Mourinho; high expectations are set on the Portuguese national’s shoulders. He led Inter Milan to a triplet of titles, including the domestic league title and Coppa Italia.

You get the sense that nothing but a win will be acceptable in this affair. Real are hot favourites at -275 and quite rightly so.

Mourinho’s bench is a coach’s envy and given all the talent contained within, you would expect them to run riot at Mallorca. Over 3 is trading at -105 while Under 3 is listed at -115.

Taking on Mallorca at home was a daunting prospect last season for any team. They were solid at home and tough to beat.

In some ways, things have changed on the island with the club falling to financial troubles and key players departing during the summer months. It seems that Mallorca have been severely weakened. Mallorca at +700 to win outright is therefore a long shot bet.

Soccer Free Picks: Real Madrid -275 | Over 3 -105