There was a shock in La Liga, as Mallorca put in a resilient display to beat Real Madrid 1-0, ending Los Blancos’ 11-game run of scoring in away league matches.
Real had already lost Éder Militão and Karim Benzema to injury against Valencia, but also had to contend with Thibaut Courtois dropping out in the warm-up, as Carlo Ancelotti handed Andriy Lunin his first league appearance since October.
Los Blancos had looked frustrated by their hosts’ aggressive approach from the off, and Nacho Fernández made things worse for his team when the defender’s header from Dani Rodríguez’s cross looped over Lunin and into his own net just 13 minutes in.
While Los Piratas were helped by a slice of luck when they took the lead, they defended it admirably and turned the match into a real battle.
Continuing to defend determinedly, Mallorca also carved their visitors open early in the second period, although Kang-in Lee overhit his pass through for Rodríguez.
Mariano Diaz and Rüdiger came agonisingly close in the latter stages, but Mallorca hung on to secure a fourth consecutive home league win, taking Los Piratas to within one point of the three teams directly above them.
Meanwhile, Real’s five-match unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end, as they offered Barcelona the opportunity to go eight points ahead atop the table when they meet Sevilla later in the day.
