Rudiger's goal leads Real Madrid

 Rudiger's goal leads Real Madrid

Antonio Sanchez and Pablo Maffeo of RCD Mallorca battle for possession with Rodrygo of Real Madrid during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and RCD Mallorca at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 03, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.(Image-Getty)

Real Madrid 1: 0 Mallorca

Real Madrid dominated most of the first half, but Mallorca created the best scoring chances. The same trend continued in the second half. Unfortunately for Mallorca, the ball went into the net once the crossbar and again the post.

Real Madrid came away with a win on a night that saw Mallorca build on a tough challenge. Despite an average of 3.4 goals against this team at home, this time the victory came by a narrow margin of 1-0 scoreline. Antonio Rudiger scored the goal in the 78th minute of the match.

With this victory, Carlo Ancelotti's team has confirmed that they are at the top of the league points table. Even if second-placed Girona beat Atletico Madrid, Real will lead on goal difference.

The win at the Bernabeu was Real Madrid's 19th consecutive unbeaten run at home. Before that, Ancelotti's team was unbeaten in 19 consecutive matches from April 2022 to February 2023.

Vinicius Jr. created the possibility of scoring twice for Real in the first half. One in the 21st minute, receiving the ball in the box from Modric. However, the Brazilian forward could not keep the shot on target. The second came in the 37th minute, but it was on target but missed thanks to the tenacity of Mallorca goalkeeper Predrag Ryković. He evaded a defender outside the box and advanced the ball forward to take a powerful shot into the net. But the Mallorca goalkeeper stopped it by jumping.

In the 42nd minute, Mallorca created a goal chance against the flow of the game. The Real goalkeeper had no chance to stop Antonio Sanchez's header. However, if the ball hits the crossbar and resists, the team has to burn in despair.

After the break, in the 55th minute of the match, Mallorca players once again covered their faces in despair. Samu Costa's powerful shot from about 25 yards was blocked by the post.

Real Madrid was also frustrated by the lack of goals in this half. In the 69th minute, Rodrigo's shot was blocked by the Mallorca goalkeeper. Brahim Diaz, who was very close, took a header and the ball bounced off the post.

Finally, Real's wait ended in the 78th minute. Rudiger made it 1-0 with a header from Modric's corner. It was his second goal in La Liga since joining Real in 2022.

Real is now at the top with 48 points in 19 matches and 15 wins and 3 draws. Girona is in second place with 45 points in 18 matches. Atlético Madrid are third with 38 points and Barcelona are fourth with equal points from the same matches.