Real Madrid solidified their top spot in La Liga, clinching a hard-earned 1-0 victory against Mallorca, reaching the midpoint of the season with 48 points. The win was secured through Antonio Rudiger's crucial header off Luka Modric's corner in the 78th minute, a relief for Madrid after grappling with Mallorca's strong defensive stance throughout the game.
Mallorca had their moments, striking the woodwork in the first half through Antonio Sanchez and later via Samu Costa, while Real Madrid's Brahim also saw his header connect with the crossbar.
Carlo Ancelotti's side maintained relentless pressure, eventually finding the breakthrough with Rudiger's decisive header, much to the delight of the Santiago Bernabeu faithful.
In a thrilling encounter, Girona stunned Atletico Madrid with a remarkable 4-3 victory despite Alvaro Morata's impressive hat-trick. Valery Fernandez's early goal for Girona set the tone, swiftly countered by Morata's equalizer. Girona regained control through Savio and Daley Blind's goals before Morata's individual brilliance restored parity.
Despite Atletico's efforts to secure a win, Ivan Martin's injury-time heroics sealed Girona's triumph, leaving Atletico trailing the top two by 10 points.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in La Liga, Celta Vigo secured a dramatic 2-1 win over Betis with Williot Swedberg's 96th-minute goal, lifting them out of the relegation zone. Granada claimed a vital 2-0 victory against Cadiz, who suffered further setbacks with Ruben Soriano's sending off, dropping them into the relegation zone.
In other fixtures, Real Sociedad drew 1-1 against Alaves, Rayo Vallecano clinched a 2-0 win against Getafe, and Valencia celebrated a comfortable 3-1 victory against Villarreal.
Looking ahead, Sevilla, Osasuna, and FC Barcelona are set to take the field on Thursday against Athletic Bilbao, Almeria, and Las Palmas, respectively, aiming to maintain their positions in the chase for the title against Real Madrid and Girona.
(With Agency Inputs)
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