How Real Madrid made it five wins from five games and returned to the top of La Liga against Mallorca

In another very successful afternoon for Real Madrid, here’s a rundown of all the key stats.

shots: 22 – 5

shots on target: 7 – 2

xG: 2.37 – 0.68

possession: 68% – 32%

Passes: 595 – 235

corners: 4 – 3

yellow cards: Mendy, Valverde, Alaba – Nastasic, Maffeo, Raillo, Valjent, Sanchez

Valverde was Real Madrid’s savior at the very end of the first half. It was a top-flight goal but the Uruguayan showed great humility when asked about it by Premier Sports after the game.

“I’m really happy, I’m especially happy about the win,” he said. “My goal was nice but I just want to help the team. I just saw a lot of red shirts in front of me, I tried to keep going and when I saw a little gap I made the best of it.”

It was another game in which Real Madrid faced a deficit but, as usual, they still managed to assert themselves.

“You have to have that courage to come from behind,” added Valverde. “We’ve worked hard, we’re very proud of how we defend ourselves against situations where we lose.”

For 70 minutes it was a very good performance by Mallorca. Apart from one magic moment from Valverde, they executed their game plan perfectly. Although they failed to match Real Madrid in the latter stages of the second half and were subsequently reversed.

Speaking to Premier Sports after the game, Jaume Costa said: “I think we didn’t believe in ourselves. We started the game well, we knew where we were going and who we were up against. We knew the stadium we were playing in and we knew what he had to do.

“In the first half we played perfectly, apart from the very last minute. We defended until the end and did well on the break. We had a few good chances but we made a small mistake and I hope it does so is.” serves us for future games.”

FT Real Madrid 4-1 Mallorca

Another win for Real Madrid and they’re back at the top of the table over Barcelona.

Mallorca took the lead in the first half and generally played well, but they couldn’t cope with the champions’ firepower as Vinicius, Rodrygo and Rudiger helped equalize Valverde in a 4-1 win.

(Photo: Getty Images)

90+4′ Real Madrid 4-1 Mallorca

It was a great finish from Rüdiger as he smashed a Kroos free-kick past Rajkovic.

This result feels very tough in Mallorca but Real Madrid were reckless in the final stages.

90+3′ Real Madrid 4-1 Mallorca

A first goal for Real Madrid for Rudiger!

However, there is a VAR check.

89′ Real Madrid – Mallorca 3:1

Rodrygo was fantastic this afternoon and has now capped his performance with a brilliant goal. For what feels like the millionth time in this game, the youngster is dealing with three or four opposing defenders and this time doesn’t make any mistakes in front of goal.

He and Vinicius were able to ensure Los Blancos didn’t miss Benzema as much as they might have thought.

85′ Real Madrid 2-1 Mallorca

This is Vinicius show stuff and the home fans are loving every minute of it! He’s dragged to the ground at one end while defending a corner before being knocked out at the other end by some very frustrated Mallorcan defenders.

After the last foul on the Brazilian, he gets back up and demands more noise from his adoring fans and they duly oblige.

80′ Real Madrid 2-1 Mallorca

He struggled to put his stamp on the game in the first half, but Vinicius was heavily involved in the second. While his goal came from Rodrygo’s superb ball work, he still had to beat Rajkovic and he did so with real composure.

(Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

76′ Real Madrid 2-1 Mallorca

It was Valverde’s sensational solo performance that equalized at the end of the first half and it’s Rodrygo whose individual performance gave the hosts the lead for the first time today.

At times he was captivating on the ball and it was silky footwork that resulted in the ball landing at Vinicius’ feet.

72′ Real Madrid 2-1 Mallorca

Rodrygo and Vinicius combine brilliantly for Real Madrid’s second goal!

Vinicius added the all-important finishing touch, but all the credit goes to his Brazilian teammate. He beat a collection of Mallorcan defenders before putting the ball on the plate for his compatriot who would never pass up the opportunity.

71′ Real Madrid 1-1 Mallorca

Ancelotti, who had just replaced Ceballos with Camavinga, was forced into his final substitution of the afternoon.

Vazquez’s injury means he will have to be replaced by Carvajal.

While Real Madrid have only made four substitutions, they have used up the three windows in which to make those substitutions, leaving them unable to make a fifth change now.

69′ Real Madrid 1-1 Mallorca

A brilliant start to the second half was wiped out by Mallorca. They stayed determined and didn’t waste too many clear chances.

Ancelotti has replaced Ceballos – who was hugely successful at Real Madrid – with Camavinga.

65′ Real Madrid 1-1 Mallorca

How are Mallorca not ahead again? Real Madrid switch off after a throw-in and suddenly the visiting team is in the penalty area after a very clean exchange.

Grenier pulled the ball back to Sanchez, who was in control of the goal, and somehow his shot harmlessly deflected wide of the target.

They will hardly ever get such a good chance again.

62′ Real Madrid 1-1 Mallorca

The introduction of Nacho has seen Alaba step up to the left-back position vacated by Mendy. Meanwhile, Rodrygo has moved up to number 9 while Valverde operates on the right wing.

Mallorca’s system hasn’t really changed after the three changes, the compact 5-4-1 formation looks as safe as in the first half.

59′ Real Madrid 1-1 Mallorca

Ancelotti has reacted to the change for the away team. Modric replaces Hazard as Real Madrid seek further dominance and a second goal.

There’s a real sense of the inevitability of another goal as Los Blancos continue to turn the key on the edge of the opposition’s 18-yard box.

Nacho has also come on in place of Mendy, while Sanchez and Grenier have replaced de Galarreta and Rodriguez for the visitors.

54′ Real Madrid 1-1 Mallorca

Baba comes on in the first substitution of the game for Battaglia, who took a nasty blow to the head in the first half. The substitution comes straight into play and takes the ball from Viniciues twice.

49′ Real Madrid 1-1 Mallorca

The second half started much like the first half was played. Real Madrid dominate the ball and have already spent a lot of time on the edge of Mallorca’s penalty area.

But visitors like to sit back and take the pressure off.

46′ Real Madrid 1-1 Mallorca

After the half-time break, the players are back on the field and we start the second half again. Let’s hope for a repeat of the entertaining first 45 minutes!