Leading Spanish team Real Madrid defeated Mallorca in a close match to open the second half of the season. After a protracted tussle, Royal eventually gave up to the forceful header of defender Antonio Rüdiger. It will be a great relief, particularly for Brahim Díaz.

Real attacked the obstinately defending Islanders throughout the whole first half. After fifteen minutes of play in the first half, Díaz had a fantastic opportunity to score first. The 24-year-old midfielder Rodrygo was handed the ball on a silver platter after Mallorca goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic only stopped half of his shot, but to his dismay, his header missed the mark.

After Díaz’s miss, Rüdiger saved Real 10 minutes later. The tall German midfielder headed Luka Modric’s corner successfully, and the ball gently went wide of the post, making the score 1-0. At that point, Real Madrid’s lead was safe, and they began the new year with a modest but well-earned win.

Real now leads Girona by at least three points as a result of the win. The evening’s main match pits the unexpected number two against Atlético Madrid, who are now third in the standings, seven points behind the top two. On Thursday night, No. 4 Barcelona, who are tied with Atlético for the most points going into the winter break, will go to Las Palmas.