Real Madrid have bounced back from their El Clasico disappointment with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid dominate first half but fall behind to excellent strike
Carlo Ancelotti handed a first La Liga start to Jacobo Ramon due to Real Madrid’s injury crisis, which also allowed the likes of Luka Modric and Endrick Felipe to return to the line-up. And while the hosts dominated the early exchanges, they fell behind in the 12th minute, with Mallorca defender Martin Valjent’s strike into the far corner leaving Thibaut Courtois with no chance.
From that moment, it was Real Madrid versus Mallorca’s defence – and more specifically, goalkeeper Leo Roman. The 24-year-old, who made 12 saves against Barcelona a few weeks ago, was at his best again at the Bernabeu, with Jude Bellingham among those to be denied in the first half.
Kylian Mbappe equalises, Jacobo Ramon caps dream full debut with winner
The second half was much of the same, with Roman repelling a number of efforts from Real Madrid players. Luka Modric and Federico Valverde were denied, but in the 68th minute, he was finally beaten as Kylian Mbappe dribbled away from two Mallorca defenders before firing in at the near post.
Real Madrid pushed harder after that moment in their search for a winner. Arda Guler came close on a couple of occasions, but again, he was denied by the inspired Roman, who would finish on 10 saves.
But fortunately for Real Madrid, they got the winner in the final minute of stoppage time, and it was Ramon that marked his first La Liga start with a memorable goal. He stabbed home with a volley after a flick-on from fellow defender Jesus Vallejo.
With this victory, Real Madrid have moved back to within four points of Barcelona, but the Catalans will still win the La Liga title if they defeat Espanyol on Thursday.
