Under the floodlights of the Bernabéu, a late header from Antonio Rudiger proved the difference as Real Madrid edged past Mallorca 1-0, extending their unbeaten streak in all competitions to a remarkable 18 games. However, La Liga‘s halfway point witnessed much more than just a close Madrid win, with Girona pulling off a stunning 4-3 comeback against Atletico Madrid, capped off by a last-minute Ivan Martin strike.
Pre-match whispers buzzed around Carlo Ancelotti’s contract extension, silencing speculation linking him with the Brazil national team. The Italian’s commitment to Real Madrid until at least 2026 brought a spark of confidence, further enhanced by the return of Vinicius Jr. after a near two-month absence due to a hamstring injury.
Rudiger’s Heroics: Real Madrid Secures Victory with Dominant Display
The prodigal winger’s return injected pace and dynamism into Real’s attack, but it was Mallorca, languishing in 14th place, who threatened first. Antonio Sanchez’s header rattled the underside of the crossbar, a heart-stopping warning for the La Liga leaders. Undeterred, Real pressed forward, with Vinicius testing Predrag Rajkovic in the Mallorca goal twice.
Then came the woodwork double whammy for Mallorca. Samu Costa unleashed a thunderous volley that kissed the post, followed by Sanchez’s header sending shivers down the Bernabéu once more. Jude Bellingham, La Liga’s current top scorer, added to the suspense, but his diving header from Luka Modric’s cross was comfortably saved by Rajkovic.
The second half witnessed an increasingly dominant Real Madrid, desperate to extend their winning streak. Rodrygo’s deflected shot fell perfectly for substitute Brahim Diaz, who agonizingly saw his diving header cannon off the post with the goal gaping. The miss seemed destined to haunt Real, but fate had other plans.
With twelve minutes remaining, Modric whipped in a pinpoint left-wing corner, finding an unmarked Rudiger rising above the Mallorca defense. The German defender’s powerful header bulged the net, igniting a wave of relief and ecstasy throughout the Bernabéu. This solitary goal, Rudiger’s first in La Liga since September 2022, was enough to secure three crucial points for Real, momentarily placing them three points clear at the top of the table.
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However, Girona had other ideas. Playing only their fourth season in La Liga’s top tier, the unfancied outfit delivered a performance for the ages against the mighty Atletico Madrid. Valery Fernandez, the Catalan club’s young prodigy, stunned the Wanda Metropolitano with a curling shot from distance within the opening two minutes.
Alvaro Morata, Atletico’s talismanic striker, promptly equalized after a deft touch from Antoine Griezmann. Yet, Girona refused to relinquish their attacking verve. Savio pounced on a parried Martin shot to restore their lead, and ex-Manchester United defender Daley Blind, playing further forward than usual, volleyed home from close range to make it 3-1.
La Liga’s top scorer Morata once again proved his predatory instincts, grabbing a brace within ten minutes thanks to two pinpoint assists from Rodrigo de Paul. The comeback seemed complete, but Girona had one final twist in store. With the 90th minute approaching, Martin unleashed a thunderbolt from the edge of the box, finding the top corner of the net and sending the Girona faithful into delirium.
This dramatic 4-3 victory propelled Girona level on points with Real Madrid at the halfway mark, showcasing their ability to compete with the league’s elite. Atletico Madrid, despite Morata’s hat-trick, find themselves ten points adrift of the top two, highlighting the unexpected twists and turns that La Liga’s second half promises to bring.
Beyond the points and goals, this weekend’s action delivered a masterclass in resilience, passion, and the never-say-die spirit. While Rudiger’s header ensured Real Madrid remain firmly in the title race, it was Girona’s audacious comeback against Atletico that truly stole the show, reminding everyone that in La Liga, the script can be rewritten in a single, breath-taking moment.