Real Madrid won painfully 1-0 at home against Mallorca on Wednesday during the 19th day of La Liga and retains its first place at the top of the standings. The Madrilenians won thanks to a powerful header from their central defender Antonio Rüdiger (79th) from a corner superbly taken by Luka Modric.
With 48 points, the Merengues are certain to retain their leadership position at the end of this day, the last of the first leg, before the meeting between their runner-up, Girona, and third, Atlético Madrid on Wednesday evening (9:30 p.m. ).
The Spanish champions offered a victory, the 15th this season, to their coach Carlo Ancelotti, for their first match since his extension until 2026 at the head of the White House.
But their success took a long time to emerge against a team 14th in the championship. The Madrilenians struggled for a long time against the well-grouped defense of the Balearic players who almost swooped on the counter when Antonio Sanchez’s header hit the crossbar (41st).
Their goalkeeper Rajkovic disgusted the Real attackers, deflecting a heavy strike from Vinicius (37th), before repelling a curling attempt from Rodrygo towards Brahim, whose header hit the post (69th). Rüdiger then appeared to catapult the ball into the back of the net and relieve the Santiago-Bernabéu stadium (78th).
Real thus puts pressure on Girona, which is three points behind before hosting the Colchoneros in a match where Antoine Griezmann could, if he scores, become the top scorer in the club’s history.
At the same time, Betis (7th) were surprised on the pitch of Celta Vigo (18th) 2-1.
In a duel between poorly ranked players, Granada won their second match of the season against Cadiz, their first success since the end of August. With 11 points, Granada is four points behind 17th place, the first non-relegation place, occupied by Cadiz.
