A major shock in La Liga – 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.GOOOOOOOL @RCD_Mallorca pic.twitter.com/DC1cutz6bI— Vols deixar de dir dois? (@salutibonanit) February 5, 2023 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. By the time half time arrived, La Liga’s reigning champions hadn’t even managed a shot on goal despite their possession and free-kicks. Their lack of ideas in that time was epitomised by Antonio Rüdiger and Federico Valverde smashing speculative efforts comfortably off target. 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.Barca did not concede from open play at the Nou Camp yet – can the reawakened Sevilla manage to beat ter Stegen?Having been goaded before and throughout the game, Vinícius Júnior earned the visitors’ biggest chance before the hour mark, when he reached a long ball first before being caught by Predrag Rajković. However, the Serbian atoned for his error with a superb save to deny Marco Asensio’s penalty. On a rare occasion the visitors were afforded space in an attacking area, David Alaba picked out Rodrygo with a cross, only for the Brazilian to fail to get a convincing connection on his header.رادجكوفيتش العملاق 🔥🔥🔝 @RCD_Mallorca 🔝#RCDMallorcaRealMadrid #LaLigaSantander#LaLigaHighlights pic.twitter.com/Nc4EL7ADE4— LaLiga (@LaLigaArab) February 5, 2023 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.Vinicius reacting to the abusing Mallorca fans by kissing the badge at half-time pic.twitter.com/nx8by2pa84— M•A•J (@Ultra_Suristic) February 5, 2023 LA LIGA – Matchday 20Wednesday Friday Ath.Bilbao – Cadiz 4-1 (3-1)/Sancet 10, 35, 75, Alvarez 44 – Escalante 25/Saturday Espanyol – Osasuna 1-1 (0-1)/Braithwaite 59 – Budimir 45/Elche – Villareal 3-1 (2-1)/Milla 3, 45+3 pen, 52 pen – Moreno 22/Atl.Madrid – Getafe 1-1 (0-0)/Correa 62 – Unal 83 pen/Betis – Celta 3-4 (2-2)/Juanmi 9, Canales 23, Fekir 84 – Larsen 6, Veiga 42, 56, Aidoo 69/Sunday Mallorca – Real Madrid 1-0 (1-0)/Nacho 13 og/18.15: (2.35) Girona (3.20) Valencia (3.15)20.30: (1.48) Sociedad (4.10) Valladolid (7.50)23.00: (1.37) Barcelona (5.10) Sevilla (10.0)***odds are subject to change*
