The Blancos started the new year with a narrow victory at Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid defeated Mallorca 1-0 in their La Liga game on Wednesday. A late winner from Antonio Rudiger ensured the Blancos’ return to the top of the league table.
What happened?
Real Madrid found an excellent start to the game, but Mallorca made it harder and harder for them to find chances as the first half went on. Vinicius Junior forced Predrag Rajković to make two fantastic saves as the visitors went into half-time with a clean sheet.
Mallorca nearly shocked their opponents with an early goal after the break. But Samu Costa’s shot bounced off the post as the game remained goalless. Real Madrid then took control of the possession again as they intensified the pressure on Mallorca’s backline.
Their efforts finally paid off when a corner from Luka Modric was converted with a powerful header from Antonio Rudiger in the 78th minute. The German defender’s goal secured the hosts’ victory as Mallorca failed to bounce back in the final ten minutes.
Real Madrid vs Mallorca: Man of the Match
Modric made a fantastic display for Real Madrid as they defeated Mallorca 1-0. The veteran star dominated the midfield during both halves, registering a 94% pass accuracy.
Player Ratings
Real Madrid: Lunin (6), Carvajal (7), Tchouameni (7), Rudiger (7), Garcia (7), Modric (8), Kroos (7), Valverde (8), Bellingham (8), Rodrygo (6), Vinicius Jr (6).
Bench: Diaz (5), Joselu (6), Vazquez (6), Ceballos (6).
Mallorca: Rajkovic (7), Heyden (5), Nastasic (7), Raillo (6), Gonzalez (6), Maffeo (6), Morlanes (7), Sanchez (5), Costa (7), Rodriguez (7), Larin (6).
Bench: Lato (6), Darder (6), Mascarell (5), Prats (6), Ndiaye (6).
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