Sunday 22 / December / 2024
Madrid: Aurelien Tchouameni goal just after the break was enough for Real Madrid to edge past Mallorca 1-0 and grab all three points in the Spanish LaLiga.
Unsurprisingly, the two teams got off to a slow start a few days after disputing two important games, as Mallorca lost on penalties to Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey final one week ago and Real Madrid drew 3-3 at home in the UEFA Champions League last Tuesday.
In a first half of just a few clear chances, the first noteworthy goal-opportunity came 31 minutes into the game, with Andriy Lunin producing a great save to deny Antonio Raillo. Just a couple of minutes later, Bellingham unleashed a shot from outside the box, with the ball hitting the crossbar.
Both Vinicius Junior and Rodgyro started on the bench and Los Blancos looked toothless in the final third, producing no shot on target before the break.
Yet, it took Real Madrid just three minutes to break the deadlock after the halftime interval. Tchouameni received the ball outside the box after a Mallorca clearance, with his strike deflecting off an opposition defender, surprising the goalkeeper and ending up in the back of the net, the Spanish MARCA newspaper reported.
Lunin produced a solid save to deny second-half substitute Sergi Darder, who tried his luck from long range with 16 minutes to go.
Then, Vedat Muriqi also had the opportunity to deal a late blow to the guests, but he sent his rebound went just wide five minutes into added time and Real Madrid grabbed all three points at Son Moix.
With this win, the LaLiga EA Sports leaders currently sit 8 points above second-placed Barcelona, who cruise past Cadiz.
Los Blancos will travel to England to face Manchester City on Wednesday, just a few days before taking on Barcelona in the Clasico. As for Mallorca, Javier Aguirre's side are 15th in the table, just six points away from relegation zone.
