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April 14, 2024

Mallorca 0-1 Real Madrid: Aurelien Tchouameni’s Goal Keeps Los Blancos on Track for Liga Glory – La Liga

On Saturday evening, Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid continued their march toward the La Liga title with a hard-fought victory against Mallorca. The match, played on the Mediterranean island, was challenging, but a stunning strike from Aurelien Tchouameni early in the second half secured all three points. This win widened Madrid’s lead at the top of the table to 11 points over Barcelona.

In a physical contest between the first and fifteenth-placed teams, the league leaders managed to edge out their opponents thanks to Tchouameni’s impressive goal. With an eye on the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg, Ancelotti opted for a more conservative approach, resting several key players in his starting lineup to ensure they did enough to clinch the win.

Mallorca’s aggressive tactics effectively stifled Madrid’s stars in the first half. They committed nine fouls while receiving only one yellow card, managing to keep the score level at the break—a strategy that Mallorca’s manager, Javier Aguirre, likely felt was a favorable outcome.

The closest either team came to scoring in the first half was a stunning attempt by Jude Bellingham from outside the box. Mallorca goalkeeper Predrag Rajokovic was well beaten as Bellingham’s powerful shot struck the bar, showcasing why many believe hitting the woodwork should count as a shot on target.

After the break, Mallorca retained their aggressive approach but lost the focus that had kept the scoreline level. Three minutes into the second half, they allowed Aurelien Tchouameni too much space at the edge of the box. The Frenchman seized the moment after a wayward clearance, took aim, and unleashed a powerful shot with his right foot that found the back of the net.

From then on, Real Madrid was content to let the home side, lacking fresh ideas, dominate possession without making a meaningful impact. The away side secured three vital points, extending their lead over Barcelona to 10 points as Barcelona faced Cadiz. While Mallorca remains closer to the relegation zone, they still appear in a better position than some other teams this season.

Talking Point – Not Pretty, But Effective

Mallorca knew they wouldn’t outclass Real Madrid on their home ground. Coach Javier Aguirre recognized this and instructed his players to adopt a different strategy to disrupt the visitors. With the La Liga title nearly secured, Los Blancos were primarily focused on the upcoming Champions League match against Manchester City, aiming to keep their key players fit and healthy.

Aguirre’s tactics were evident in the 18 fouls committed by his side—roughly one every five minutes—showing a commitment to disrupting Madrid’s flow. While they didn’t hit hard, they certainly hit often, making it challenging for Madrid to find their rhythm for most of the match. 

Despite going ahead with just one goal, it proved to be all they needed.

Player of the Match – Aurelien Tchouameni

With Madrid’s game plan stifled, they needed a moment of brilliance to score. While Jude Bellingham had his opportunities, Tchouameni consistently posed a threat. He recorded 94 touches and an impressive 68 successful passes, nearly all of which advanced play. His positioning kept the Mallorca defense on edge, and his goal—perfectly illustrating the blend of preparation and opportunity—was enough to secure the victory.

Player Ratings

MALLORCA

Rajkovic 8, Maffeo 7, Gonzalez 6, Raillo 7, Nastasic 6, Lato 6, Samu 6, Morlanes 5, Dani Rodriguez 6, Antonio Sanchez 6, Muriqi 7

Subs: Mascarell 6, Abdon 6, Darder 7, Larin 6, Radonjic 5

REAL MADRID

Lunin 6, Lucas 6, Rudiger 5, Nacho 6, Mendy 5, Valverde 5, Tchouameni 8, Modric 7, Bellingham 7, Brahim 6, Joselu 6

Subs: Carvajal 6, Militao 5, Vini Jr 7, Camavinga 6

Match Highlights

22′ – Bellingham hits the bar! A stunning right-footed shot from just outside the box nearly finds the net, leaving the goalkeeper well-beaten. This is the closest either side has come in the early stages.

48′ – Goal for Madrid! What a strike! Mallorca’s defense falters, and the ball falls to Tchouameni just outside the box. He takes aim and unleashes a powerful right-footed shot that is unstoppable.

74′ – Mallorca nearly equalizes! A long-range effort from Darder heads toward the top left corner, but Lunin’s quick reflexes keep it out, marking Mallorca’s best chance of the match.

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