Spain: Defender Antonio Rudiger scored the only goal with a header, helping Real Madrid maintain their top spot in a 1-0 victory over Mallorca in La Liga's 19th round.
In the 78th minute, midfielder Luka Modric took a corner kick from the left, and Rudiger rose high to head the ball into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic rooted to the spot as the ball flew into the net. This was the German defender's first goal of the season, and the entire home team surrounded him to celebrate. At the same time, Real Madrid's social media account posted the message: "Everyone needs a friend like Rudiger in their life."
Rudiger (number 22) rose highest to head the ball into the net against Mallorca at the Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, during the 19th round of La Liga on the evening of January 3, 2024. Photo: Lapresse
Defender Rudiger appeared emotional after scoring the goal. Photo: Marca
While Real Madrid faced a personnel crisis in the center-back position, Rudiger emerged as an indispensable choice in defense, helping the team concede only 11 goals since the start of the season. And after scoring his first goal, Rudiger was visibly emotional, kneeling and kissing the grass.
That moment helped Real overcome Mallorca's frustrating counter-attacking style of play. In the first 60 minutes, the visitors created more dangerous opportunities, including Antonio Sanchez's long-range shot that hit the crossbar in the first half, and Samu Costa's shot that struck the post early in the second half.
Real still showed more composure, even though young talent Jude Bellingham didn't score, Luka Modric made his mark with an assist for Rudiger. The 39-year-old midfielder ran tirelessly in midfield, achieving a 100% pass completion rate in the first half. When he left the field near the end of the match, thousands of spectators rose to their feet and applauded.
Real could have settled the match earlier if striker Brahim Diaz had been luckier with his chance in the 68th minute. After Rodrygo's curling shot was parried by goalkeeper Rajkovic, Diaz rushed in to head the ball into the empty net from less than 5 meters away. But somehow, the ball hit the inside of the post, bounced to the opposite side, before being easily caught by the goalkeeper.
Nevertheless, Real extended their winning streak to four matches across all competitions, ensuring they remain at the top of the table after matchday 19. Carlo Ancelotti's team increased their lead over Atletico Madrid and Barcelona to 10 points, even though those two teams have a game in hand. Furthermore, surprise package Girona are only three points behind Real, with a game in hand.
Hoang An
Source link
Comment (0)