Real Madrid vs Mallorca: Rudiger’s goal helps Madrid beat Mallorca

• Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mallorca on Wednesday night at Santiago Bernabeu
• The result had briefly taken Carlo Ancelotti’s side three points clear at the top of the table before second-placed Girona beat Atletico Madrid 4-3

Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mallorca on Wednesday night in the Real Madrid vs Mallorca fixture. Antonio Rudiger scored the only goal of the match as the Los Blancos extended their impressive run to reach the halfway point of the Spanish league season at the top of the standings.

This was Carlo Ancelotti’s first game since ending speculations linking him to the Brazil national team by extending his contract with Real Madrid. Mallorca were a tough opponent coming to this fixture after a run of five games unbeaten.

Real Madrid vs Mallorca. Photo/ Toronto Star.

The visitors twice hit the post as they searched for a shock win but were not successful in Madrid. Brahim Diaz missed a clear chance to put the hosts in front before centre-back Rudiger scored towards the end of the match at Santiago Bernabeu.

“Great cross by Luka, great block by [Dani] Carvajal and luckily it went in. I’m happy because it was an important goal and three important points for us. This team has something special, a good mix of young and old talent.” Rudiger told reporters after the Real Madrid vs Mallorca match. Antonio Rudiger said after the match, as per ESPN.

Real Madrid are now unbeaten in 18 games across all competitions and started 2024 in the best way possible. The result had briefly taken Carlo Ancelotti’s side three points clear at the top of the table, but second-placed Girona moved back to level on points after securing a 4-3 win over Atletico Madrid later on Wednesday night.

As of now, both Real Madrid and Girona have 48 points after 19 matches, but the Los Blancos are on top of the table because of goal difference. Carlo Ancelotti’s side next visit fifth-tier Arandina in the first round of the Spanish Cup before taking on Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup.

Vinicius Jr. had a clear opportunity to mark his return with a goal early in the game but he dragged his shot wide. As time went by, Mallorca proved to be a tough opponent to break. Vinicius then opted to try his luck from long range but the shot was well saved by Mallorca goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic.

Despite Real Madrid being the team with the most ball possession in the first half, the visitors had the best chance to open the scoring. Antonio Sanchez was at the right place in the box to pounce on Dani Rodriguez’s cross, only for his effort to hit the post.

Antonio Rudiger scored the only goal of the match. Photo/ Eurosport.

Mallorca were once again close to taking the lead after the break but Samu Costa’s effort from long range hit the post. Carlo Ancelotti decided to replace Vinicius with Brahim Diaz after an hour of play, in which the Brazilian recorded three shots, two on target.

Diaz came close to making an impact shortly after being on the pitch but his diving header from only a few yards out hit the post. His blushes were spared in the 78th minute when Antonio Rudiger put the hosts in front after towering high in the box to meet Luka Modric’s brilliant corner. It was the German’s first goal of the season for Real Madrid.

Despite controlling the remaining minutes of the game, the Los Blancos couldn’t find another goal to add to their tally.