RCD Mallorca 0-1 Real Madrid (Tchouaméni).
Mallorca, the cup finalists were aiming to trigger a potential nightmare period for Real Madrid going into a make or break phase of the season.
That chance fell to Mallorca who forced a save from Andriy Lunin with a headed effort.
It was a goal that even the Mallorca fans were buzzing to witness live, applauding the Frenchman as Madrid celebrated.
A penalty shout against Mallorca for handball was then dubiously denied as the visitors controlled the proceedings.
RCD Mallorca 0-1 Real Madrid (Tchouaméni). A world class finish secures three points. Here is the reaction to the away win. Still to come: Player ratings, after match quotes and a ManagingMadrid podcast.
With big game in the Champions League and La Liga coming right up, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this game was not at the forefront of anyone’s mind - but it still had to be won. Mallorca, the cup finalists were aiming to trigger a potential nightmare period for Real Madrid going into a make or break phase of the season. The squad was rotated, but remained strong. Joselu Mato led the line, with Jude Bellingham and Brahim Díaz operating just behind him. Luka Modrić started the game in midfield alongside Aurélien Tchouaméni. Rodrygo Goes and Eduardo Camavinga were amongst the substitutes. Nacho Fernández was the skipper today.
It very quickly became apparent that this was going to be a frustrating nut to crack, with the game lacking so much action that the first real chance didn’t occur for half an hour. That chance fell to Mallorca who forced a save from Andriy Lunin with a headed effort. Jude Bellingham then had a go at the edge of the box and hit the crossbar as a result. The home side had managed to drag out the half slowly until the break, and earned the 0-0 score line at half time.
TCHOUAMENI WITH AN ABSOLUTE GOLAZO FROM FAR OUT TO GIVE REAL MADRID THE LEAD
WHAT A GOAL pic.twitter.com/iIEPDiG1FF — ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 13, 2024
Madrid fans did not want a repeat of the first half, and even worse - the potential to lose points in fixture like this. Fortunately, a moment of magic early on in the second half prevented another dry 45 minutes. Aurélien Tchouaméni picked the ball up a fair way from goal, and a slight deflection did little to help the ball arrow into the top corner to open the scoring. It was a goal that even the Mallorca fans were buzzing to witness live, applauding the Frenchman as Madrid celebrated. Brahim Díaz could have quickly doubled the lead but after a good run just couldn't beat the keeper. A penalty shout against Mallorca for handball was then dubiously denied as the visitors controlled the proceedings. Sergi Darder did get one chance in for the hosts, but Lunin was equal to it. The game panned out after that, and Madrid managed to secure the 1-0 win before the big games coming up (with Vinícius Júnior missing a late chance). Thoughts?
