Izuchukwu OkosiReal Madrid edged Mallorca 1-0 on Wednesday evening to take temporary lead in the Spanish La Liga table ahead of surprise package Granada, reports Prime Business Africa.
Former Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger headed home a 78th minute goal to salvage all three points for the ‘Los Merengues’ who welcomed back Vinicius Junior from an injury setback a bit earlier than the prognosis had revealed.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn fact Vinicius twice had his efforts in the game repelled by Mallorca goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic who had an impressive evening despite conceding the odd goal.
Mallorca have a fight of it and twice hit the woodwork with the duo of Antonio Sanchez and Samu Costa going close with spectacular attempts.
Mallorca’s profligacy in front of goal proved costly as Luka Modric expert found the Germany international of Sierra Leonean origin.
The win ensures that Carlo Ancelotti’s men are undefeated in 18 games in all competitions but their lead could be snapped as Girona who are currently playing Atletico Madrid can usurp them with a wider goal margin.
The game was Madrid’s first since Ancelotti signed a contract extension at the club much to the disappointment of the Brazil Football Federation who hoped that the Italian will take up the national coaching job to the 2024 Copa Americ a next summer.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
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