It was by no means an easy match for the defending champs. And Mallorca too was a team they were facing for the fourth time this season. Though Real won at Bernabeu in the league they lost both the ties against Mallorca in the Copa Del Rey. And Mallorca were challenging for a European spot.
Realmadrid started with the same eleven that played against Sevilla, there was no Pepe & Robinho. Real started off well with Robben fluffing a chance to hit the target. Then the match settled down with both teams trying to attack and Casillas made good save after the ball was deflected by Ramos. Real were trying to master the midfield but they were well handled by Mallorca and Ramos was booked by the referee for a Push, something that we don't see often.
And as the first half came to end Robben cut from the right past the defenders and tried to cross it and the ball flicked the goalie and it came to Sneijder who smashed it home to give Realmadrid the lead. And it stayed the same way till the break.
In the second half the loyalties were resumed and Real were a more confident team as they had a goal advantage and they played some solid football. Marcelo was particularly weak in defence but Heinze covered him up well. Mallorca on the other hand kept looking for the equaliser and their job was made easier with the sending off of Sergio Ramos who was booked for the second time for a tackle on Varela. Still 25 min were left on the clock and Schuster brought in Diarra for Higuain but before Madrid could recompose themselves Mallorca equalised through Valero in the 73rd min.
Mallorca looked for the winner but Real held on to take a point away from ONO Estadi. The whites would be satisfied but the result would have been better had it not been for the red card. But considering the opposition and the they have performed miserably during few of their last visits Realmadrid will take this result as they try to retain their Crown.
Click here for the goals
0-1 Sneijder
1-1 Valero
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