Real Madrid stutters to victory over Mallorca thanks to Rudiger header

Real Madrid needed a header from Antonio Rudiger in the final 15 minutes at home to Mallorca to ensure three points in this tight LaLiga title race.

Los Blancos made a slow start to the game and Mallorca could very easily have been leading the way in Madrid, but Carlo Ancelotti's side eventually found the way through.

Real Madrid failed to really impose themselves on Mallorca during the first half, with players like Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo struggling to have the expected impact on the game.

Even Jude Bellingham seemed to be going through the motions and the lack of a threat from Real Madrid encouraged Mallorca to get forward and try to seize the opportunity Ancelotti's side was creating.

Mallorca chances

They very nearly took the lead shortly before the break after Dani Rodriguez worked some space and played a great cross towards the back post where Antonio Sanchez rose to head towards goal.

It seemed he had scored but the ball bounced off the underside of the bar and onto the goal line before Andriy Lunin pawed it away.

Near the start of the second half, Mallorca hit the woodwork again. This time, the ball broke almost 25 yards out and Samu Costa's low drive pinged off the outside of the post.

Real Madrid were looking chaotic and were fortunate not to be behind at the Bernabeu. Mallorca were showing why they have a good buffer between themselves and the relegation zone.

Real Madrid apply pressure

With 20 minutes to go, Brahim Diaz seemed like he simply had to put Real Madrid but instead he produced a miss that will keep him awake tonight.

Rodrygo's shot was parried and Diaz had an empty net to head into but somehow hit the post.

The pressure was starting to build on Mallorca and Bellingham thought he had won a penalty for handball after his cross was blocked, but the officials did not agree.

The pressure eventually told as Luka Modric's corner was superbly headed in by Antonio Rudiger with just over 10 minutes to go.

The win means that Real Madrid go three points clear of Girona, who face Atletico Madrid later on Wednesday evening.