Tchouameni nets as Real Madrid take down Mallorca ahead of Manchester City return leg

The lone goal was enough for the league leaders

An Aurelien Tchouameni goal just after the break was enough for Real Madrid to edge past Mallorca 1-0 and grab all three points on Saturday afternoon.

Unsurprisingly, the two teams got off to a slow start a few days after disputing two important games, as Mallorca lost on penalties to Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey final one week ago and Real Madrid drew 3-3 at home in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

In a first half of just a few clear chances, the first noteworthy goal-opportunity came 31 minutes into the game, with Andriy Lunin producing a great save to deny Antonio Raillo. Just a couple of minutes later, Bellingham unleashed a shot from outside the box, with the ball hitting the crossbar.

Both Vinicius Junior and Rodgyro started on the bench and Los Blancos looked toothless in the final third, producing no shot on target before the break.

Yet, it took Real Madrid just three minutes to break the deadlock after the halftime interval. Tchouameni received the ball outside the box after a Mallorca clearance, with his strike deflecting off an opposition defender, surprising the goalkeeper and ending up in the back of the net.

Lunin produced a solid save to deny second-half substitute Sergi Darder, who tried his luck from long range with 16 minutes to go.

Then, Vedat Muriqi also had the opportunity to deal a late blow to the guests, but he sent his rebound went just wide five minutes into added time and Real Madrid grabbed all three points at Son Moix.

With this win, the LaLiga EA Sports leaders currently sit 11 points above second-placed Barcelona, who play away at Cadiz tonight.

Los Blancos will travel to England to face Manchester City on Wednesday, just a few days