National soccer player Antonio Rüdiger gave Spanish record champions Real Madrid a perfect start to the new year in La Liga.
Thanks to the German central defender’s first goal of the season, the Royals won 1-0 (0-0) against RCD Mallorca and maintained their lead in LaLiga, initially three points ahead of the surprise team FC Girona.
Rüdiger redeemed the Madrilenians (78th) with a header from a corner. Coach Carlo Ancelotti’s team, who surprisingly extended his contract until 2026 during the short winter break, had previously struggled. Mallorca’s Antonio Sanchez hit the crossbar with his head (41′), Samuel Costa hit the post (54′).
The Madrilenians’ best chance was missed by Brahim Diaz (69′), who headed it onto the inside post from very close range.