Rudiger Scores Decisive Goal for Real Madrid's 1-0 Victory against Mallorca

Antonio Rudiger's late header sealed the deal for La Liga leaders, Real Madrid, in their hard-fought win against Mallorca on January 3, 2024. In a game where Mallorca hit the woodwork twice, Rudiger's goal in the 78th minute from Luka Modric's left-wing corner proved paramount. Following this win, Real Madrid's unbeaten streak extends to 18 games in all competitions.

The win momentarily placed Real Madrid three points clear at the top of the La Liga table. However, a last-minute winning goal from Ivan Martin for Girona against Atletico Madrid leveled them back with Real Madrid on 48 points after 19 matches. Real Madrid currently leads the table based on better goal difference.

This match marked the first game since coach Carlo Ancelotti committed to Real Madrid until at least 2026, thwarting speculations of potential ties with the Brazil national team.

Mallorca, currently 14th in La Liga table, showed impressive efforts but to no avail. Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham, the season's top scorer, made Rajkovic, the goalkeeper, work with a diving header from Modric's cross.

Rudiger's goal saved the game for Real Madrid, marking his first in La Liga since scoring in a 4–1 victory over Mallorca on September 11, 2022. This win has put Real Madrid on a streak of four successive victories in all competitions and nine wins in their last ten matches.