The French midfielder's impressive effort carried Carlo Ancelotti's much-changed side one step closer to La Liga glory
This was always going to be a strange game. Real Madrid have one eye on a Champions League quarter-final, and with an eight-point lead at the top of the table to preserve, they are in little danger of slipping domestically. As a result, Ancelotti shuffled his pack, and an XI with five alterations squeaked past Mallorca, Aurelien Tchouameni's deflected effort dragging the league leaders to a 1-0 win.
This much-changed Madrid created little in the first half. Los Blancos put just three shots on goal in the first 45 minutes, lacking fluidity in the final third.
But things changed after the break. Tchouameni broke the deadlock with a deflected long-range strike that looped past a wrong-footed Predrag Rajkovic. Brahim Diaz should have made it two after an hour, but a heavy touch with the goal gaping saw him fail to capitalise on Luka Modric's square ball.
Los Blancos didn't offer much more, a largely disconnected unit struggling to make things happen against the disciplined home side, who could've easily snatched a point at the very end. Still, this was a formality. The real test comes on Wednesday in Manchester, where the chance to advance to a third straight Champions League semi-final awaits.
GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Mallorca Son Moix…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Andriy Lunin (6/10):
Made a couple of saves, claimed a few crosses, and sprung some lively counter-attacks. Much more composed than midweek.
Lucas Vazquez (7/10):
An able fill-in for Dani Carvajal. Covered ground, offered a bit going forward, and went about his defensive duties well. He's a vital back-up.
Antonio Rudiger (8/10):
Another immense showing from the man who pocketed Erling Haaland midweek. Won his headers, made a few important recoveries, and pinged it around a bit, too.
Nacho (6/10):
Tidy when he had it, but Mallorca identified him as a real defensive weakness. Struggled against the physicality of Vedat Muriqi.
Ferland Mendy (6/10):
Didn't have loads to do other than win possession and recycle the ball. Made a few interesting runs, and created a couple of chances – but played it safe for the most part.
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Aurelien Tchouameni (8/10):
Scored the winner with a stunning strike from distance. Encouraging that he's been able to switch from centre-back to defensive-midfield in the space of four days.
Federico Valverde (7/10):
Didn't stop running for 90 minutes, which was immensely impressive given his efforts midweek. Played some wonderful passes, won his tackles, and looked dangerous in advanced areas. A typically well-rounded performance.
Luka Modric (7/10):
Floated around, found cute passing angles, but didn't have much luck against a disciplined defence. Should've had an assist if Diaz didn't fluff his lines.
Jude Bellingham (6/10):
A frustrating one for the Englishman, who struggled to make an impact on the contest – although his legwork and defensive efforts can't be faulted.
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Joselu (6/10):
Had scored in each of his last four starts coming into the contest and although he didn't manage one here, aas a real handful throughout.
Brahim Diaz (6/10):
Lively in the final third, but really should have scored after being set up by Modric.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Vinicius Jr (7/10):
Played the last 30 minutes in a lively cameo. Almost scored a ridiculous goal from an impossible angle.
Eduardo Camavinga (6/10):
Added an injection of energy in midfield after the game slowed.
Dani Carvajal (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Eder Militao (N/A):
No time to make an impact. Good to see him get some minutes post-ACL surgery.
Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):
Made five changes from the side that drew against Man City earlier in the week, and Madrid seemed to lack fluidity as a result. This wasn't a good showing, but Madrid got the win and stayed fit ahead of the midweek clash.
