1.15.2012

Mallorca 1 - 2 Real Madrid (Spanish League Day 19)

Real Madrid suffered and were forced to turn the score around in Mallorca. Mourinho's men netted the winner on the 84-minute mark despite not giving their best performance. The victory is crucial, given this is was the sort of match that can truly help decide the outcome of the league championship.

Callejon scored a crucial goal on the 84th minute

Mallorca were set to complicate things for the Madridistas at their stadium, thwarting all of Xabi Alonso's attempts to channel his team's efforts. The Whites were having no chances on goal and Mallorca started to look for fast countrerattacks. Hemed had a chance to net the opener but his shot was off target (27'). The locals eventually scored on the 38-minute mark when the striker finished off a Chory Castro free-kick. Real Madrid reacted quickly and Sergio Ramos tried to score an equaliser from a header, sending the ball to the crossbar instead.

Higuain came on for Lass after half-time and Real started to dominate every aspect of the game. Mallroca defended in their half of the pitch simply waiting for their chance to counterattack. Despite this dominance, the Madridistas weren't scoring and only a couple of long shots by Ronaldo created some danger.

Mourinho took a risk making Coentrao and Kaka come on for full backs Marcelo and Arbeloa. This prompted a tactical change by which Real used three defenders. Risks were necessary in order to win and soon Kaka nearly scored, forcing Aouate to send the ball to a corner-kick with a stretch. Higuain eventually scored the equaliser with a little help from Tissone finishing off a cross into the box from Ozil on the 71-minute mark. With time left on the ticker, the Whites tried everything for another strike and Ronaldo nearly scored an amazing goal, but his shot hit the crossbar.

Callejon finally scored the winner picking up a clearance from the local defence, but Real had to fight off Mallorca's final onslaught in the final minutes as they searched for an equaliser that never came.

Summary

Stadium: Iberostar Stadium
Attendance: 19,500
Goals: 1-0, min. 38: Tomer Hemed. 1-1, min. 71: Higuaín. 1-2, min. 84: Callejón.

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