Tchouameni’s thunderbolt secures Real Madrid’s 1-0 win over Mallorca as Champions League looms
MADRID: Aurelien Tchouameni’s early second-half strike propelled Real Madrid to a 1-0 victory against Mallorca in LaLiga, setting the stage for their upcoming Champions League showdown with Manchester City. Despite resting key players, Real dominated the match, with Tchouameni unleashing a thunderous shot from outside the penalty area to beat the Mallorca keeper.
The win lifted Real to 78 points, maintaining their 11-point lead over arch-rivals Barcelona, whom they are set to face in a highly anticipated “El Clasico” clash next weekend. Barcelona, with a game in hand, are closely trailing, and their encounter with relegation-threatened Cadiz later in the day adds an extra layer of intrigue to the title race.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti strategically rotated his squad, making five changes from their Champions League draw with City. The match not only provided rest for key players like Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, and Toni Kroos but also offered opportunities for Nacho and Antonio Ruediger to shine in the starting lineup. Tchouameni’s suspension for the City clash made his impactful goal against Mallorca all the more crucial, demonstrating the depth and resilience of Ancelotti’s squad as they gear up for a crucial European clash.(Reuters)
