Real Madrid were in control for the better part of the game against Mallorca last night. With 67% ball possession, 17 shots and two big chances, the game was theirs to lose at one point.
Yet, a draw appeared the most likely result for the greater part of the game given Real Madrid’s struggle in front of goal. The Merengues hardly capitalised on their xG of 1.71 on the night, and in the end, required an Antonio Rudiger header to pull through.
Speaking to the media after his heroic match-winning goal, Antonio Rudiger highlighted the challenges Mallorca posed to the hosts on the night and how he overcame them to score the differential goal.
“It was not easy to find gaps so it makes me very happy to score this goal. We had trained it. Carvajal makes a good screen. Modrić’s ball was very good, I measured my move well and it was a good header.”
“It’s been a difficult game. We expected it like this. We knew that Mallorca would they would stop the game and defend with many men behind,” he added in praise of the opposition.
The German star was then asked to comment on his current run of great form. He modestly attributed the major part of it to the collective effort, saying,
“I feel very good, working hard. We defend very well as a team. That makes my job easier. I want to play more by finding myself like this. There is a good atmosphere in the locker room.”
Finally, Rudiger spoke on Real Madrid’s position halfway through the campaign as joint leaders in La Liga.
“The first half has been very good, but we can’t stop now. We have to keep working because today Mallorca has had many opportunities.”
Fran Garcia happy with win
Fran Garcia was the next player to face the press after the full-time whistle. The starting left-back spoke to the media through the game and the importance of the win in the bigger picture.
“It was a complicated match and it has been important to return to the competition with a victory in front of our audience. We know that these victories make a difference in the league.”
Garcia went on to praise his teammates for their ability to stick together through thick and thin and grind out points even in the most adverse of situations.
“The team has worked until the end and we stayed all three points at home against a rocky rival. The daily work is seen every weekend and we have to continue like this because I’m sure that beautiful things will arrive.”
In praise of Rudiger, the goal-scorer on the night, the Spanish full-back said: “He is an incredible person and I am very happy for him, for the three points, and for being leaders.”
Finally, the left-back also weighed in on the topic of Real Madrid’s situation after 19 Matchdays in La Liga and what the future held for them.
“It’s good. We only have one defeat and we have to see it with good eyes at the height of the championship we are at. We have to continue working every day.”