Real Madrid

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale reportedly wants to leave the club as soon as possible, with his relationship with manager Zinedine Zidane said to be "embittered." 

The Wales international was consistently linked with a move away from the Spanish capital in the summer and was reportedly close to joining Jiangsu Suning in the Chinese Super League before Los Blancos pulled the plug on the transfer.

Despite featuring regularly for the team in the current campaign, the 30-year-old is still open to moving on, according to Rodrigo Faez of ESPN FC.

"Sources have told ESPN FC that Bale's unhappiness at Madrid stems from his embittered relationship with Zidane and constant injury problems. ... The breakdown in the relationship with Zidane, as well as the loss of the top spot in La Liga, has led Bale to again seek an exit from Madrid."

Faez reported that Bale's camp "do not believe [Zidane] has done enough to fix the situation."

Any possible January move will be "difficult" to broker due to Bale's wages, as well as the lack of interest in the player from clubs in the Premier League.

Talk of a possible transfer to Shanghai Shenhua for the Wales star was on the front page of Marca on Tuesday:

Marca’s Cover | “Bale looks to China again: He contacted Shanghai Shenhua for a January move.” pic.twitter.com/zPmrUIulYo

— Real Madrid Info ³⁶ (@RMadridInfo) October 29, 2019

B/R Football's Dean Jones relayed further details of the latest reports:

Here we go again. Bale's Madrid exit, part 10.
Marca reporting: 'Shanghai Shenhua are among the Chinese clubs in talks with Bale's agent. They want to make him their superstar signing for the new season starting in March.'

— Dean Jones (@DeanJonesSoccer) October 29, 2019

While Bale's future has come into question again, speaking on Cadena Cope (h/t Football Espana), Zidane said he has no issue with the former Tottenham Hotspur man and would like to see him stay beyond the upcoming January window:

"We have a good relationship, no matter what is said about that in the press," said the Real Madrid manager. "He never talks about leaving, and I would not welcome his departure in winter. He stayed in the summer, and it was the best for everyone."

Bale moved to Los Blancos in the summer of 2013 and has enjoyed an incredible amount of success at the Santiago Bernabeu, winning four UEFA Champions League titles. In the 2018 final against Liverpool, he turned the game coming off the bench, netting this incredible overhead kick:

Gareth Bale's incredible bicycle kick against Liverpool has NOT been nominated for UEFA's 2017/18 Goal of the Season award... 😱 pic.twitter.com/epkaQ4ZkWp

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 15, 2018

Despite his heroics, Bale has never been popular with Madrid fans, and speculation has continued regarding his relationship with Zidane, who returned for a second spell as manager in March.

Bale has been absent for the last two weeks for Madrid due to injury, but he had played a consistent part in the team during the early weeks of the campaign. He's started seven games in all competitions, notching two goals and two assists.

Even so, there's a sense that if a deal was able to be done in January, the player and Zidane would be happy to go their separate ways. At this stage, there's still plenty of time for all parties to agree a possible winter switch.

Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard has said it is "not easy" to follow in the footsteps of the club's former No. 7 Cristiano Ronaldo. 

Hazard joined Los Blancos in the summer from Chelsea, having earned a reputation as one of the best players in the Premier League. 

While he's shown flashes of his world-class talent in the early weeks of his Madrid career, as yet he's been unable to regularly reach the standards he set for the Blues. He's only netted one goal for his new club in the 2019-20 season.

Speaking to Real Madrid TV (h/t Marca), Hazard said it's a challenge to wear such an iconic jersey. "Taking this shirt after Cristiano isn't easy, he's historic," he said.

Ronaldo was one of Madrid's best-ever players and enjoyed nine fruitful years at the club. The Portuguese became Los Blancos' all-time top scorer and won four UEFA Champions League titles before he left to join Juventus in the summer of 2018.

While Hazard isn't the first player to wear the No. 7 since Ronaldo left—Mariano Diaz took the number in the 2018-19 season—he is the man many Madridistas hoped would fill the creative and goalscoring void left by the departure of the former Manchester United man.

Hazard's start to life at his new club has been blemished by injury issues, and that's been reflected in his scratchy form. However, he did brilliantly set up Toni Kroos' goal in the 1-0 win over Galatasaray in the Champions League recently:

In that game, Hazard was able to create chances and get into some goalscoring positions himself. Spanish football writer Andy West said it was a strong performance from the Madrid star:

He should have scored but that was Eden Hazard's best game for Real Madrid so far, in my view. Starting to really gel with Benzema. He's getting there.

— Andy West (@andywest01) October 22, 2019

Lucas Navarrete of Managing Madrid said the Belgium international needs to be more clinical with his opportunities:

It ended in a goal, but pic number 2 is not a better play than pic number 1. That was some poor decision making by Hazard in front of goal. He needs to be more determined. pic.twitter.com/8gbQRNN9pk

— Lucas Navarrete (@LucasNavarreteM) October 23, 2019

Despite his slow start to life at Los Blancos, there's a sense of inevitability that Hazard will come good for the team, given his talent.

In the same interview, the Belgium international said he expects Madrid to challenge for everything come the end of the campaign.

"We're going to give our all to win everything. We have to lift a trophy," he continued. "I know the Champions League is important. I'm here to win it, it's important for everyone and myself included. I'm at the best club in the world and I hope to give my best."

Hazard will no doubt grow into the No. 7 jersey at Real Madrid as he builds fitness and becomes better acclimatised with his team-mates. The fact a player of his calibre and experience feels the pressure of the shirt is indicative of just how impressive it was that Ronaldo was able to consistently excel while wearing it.

Real Madrid welcome Leganes in a La Liga derby match on Wednesday in the Spanish capital.

The minnows are from the outskirts of southern Madrid and will make the short journey to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Los Blancos have failed to win four of their nine league games this season, but they have remained in touch with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

However, Leganes might be playing in the second tier next season, with the club rooted to the bottom of the La Liga table.

                 

Date: Wednesday, October 30

Time: 9:15 p.m. local, 8:15 p.m. GMT, 4:15 p.m ET

TV: Premier Sports 1 (UK), beIN Sports (USA)

Stream: Premier Player, BeIN Connect

Odds: Madrid 7-25, Leganes 10-1, draw 9-2 (via Caesars)

               

Preview

Leganes will anticipate a difficult night in Madrid on Wednesday, with their league campaign in tatters before Christmas.

Luis Cembranos has been installed as caretaker manager after Mauricio Pellegrino left the club on October 21 by mutual consent.

The Estadio Municipal de Butarque side have won just five points this season and already appear to be on their way to relegation.

Real have experienced their own troubles over the past 12 months, prompting a second spell in charge for Zinedine Zidane.

Performances have fluctuated this season, and despite staying in touch at the top of the division, the former France international has not found the formula he needs.

Eden Hazard arrived as Madrid's big signing in the summer, but the former Chelsea forward is taking time to settle at his new club.

The Belgium international suffered an injury in pre-season, and it has taken a period of adjustment for him to be integrated into the starting lineup.

Los Blancos have been forced to rely on Karim Benzema in attack, and the Frenchman has continued to deliver with six goals in eight La Liga apperances. 

Gareth Bale has also contributed, despite being continually linked with a move away, and James Rodriguez has featured after returning from a two-year loan spell at Bayern Munich.

Hazard's form remains the key to unlocking Zidane's tactics, and he must start increasing his productivity.

The 28-year-old has just one goal and two assists from seven appearances in La Liga and Europe, and club president Florentino Perez will be looking for more in return for his investment.

Real Madrid youngster Rodrygo Goes has said he was "very nervous" before making his first start for the club in Tuesday's UEFA Champions League showdown with Galatasaray.

Manager Zinedine Zidane made the surprise decision to start the 18-year-old in the crucial match in Turkey, and he was rewarded with a fine performance from the Brazilian. Toni Kroos' goal in the first half was eventually enough for the La Liga side to earn a 1-0 win on the night.

Speaking after the match, Rodrygo said he was a little surprised to get the nod in attack, per Sergio Santos and Carlos Forjanes of AS:

"I feel really happy and content. And really thankful for the opportunity to realise a dream. I did what Zizou asked me to. The same as all of us, to go and enjoy it. Zidane asked me to enjoy it, to do my defensive work and with the ball to simply play and enjoy it

"I learned I was starting today. In the chat before the game, when the teamsheet was given. I was very nervous, but I enjoyed it. Yeah, I was surprised to be starting, I wasn't expecting it."

It was a high-pressure environment for the Brazilian to come in to, as Los Blancos have not been performing well as of late.

On Saturday, they fell to a 1-0 loss against newly promoted Real Mallorca in La Liga, while they only picked up one point from their first two UEFA Champions League matches.

A win against Galatasaray was imperative:

Given the hostile atmosphere at the Turk Telekom Stadium, it was a bold decision from Zidane to put Rodrygo in the side ahead of some more experienced names. But the youngster dealt with the occasion well.

The FootballTalentScout Twitter account provided the numbers from Rodrygo's first start as a Madrid player:

Rodrygo vs Galatasaray

82 minutes
31 passes
74% pass accuracy
3 shots
2 key passes
3 dribbles won
2 tackles won
2 interceptions

18 years of age. His first start for Real Madrid & Champions League debut. One of the best players on the pitch. 💎 pic.twitter.com/ZsZ3EitSdB

— Football Talent Scout - Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) October 22, 2019

The teenager was a threat throughout the match, as he took up intelligent positions infield and drove forward at the Galatasaray defence. Although his final ball lacked care at times, it's clear Rodrygo has the raw attributes to have an influence this season.

Already he's shown what he can do in La Liga, netting this goal on his debut in the Spanish top flight:

😎 Just on the pitch a few seconds and what a cool finish this is from 18-year-old Rodrygo to make it 2-0!

⚪ What a night for Real Madrid's young Brazilians! pic.twitter.com/yYDmN4QfeC

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) September 25, 2019

Madrid have a number of injury problems to contend with in the attacking portion of the field, and in an ideal world, Zidane would not have wanted to rely on the youngster signed from Santos so soon.

Rodrygo should continue to be utilised sporadically for the remainder of the campaign and play plenty of games for Real Madrid Castilla. The first-team boss has clearly been impressed by his start to life at the club, though.     

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has said he has no concerns over Eden Hazard after he missed a glorious chance in the team's UEFA Champions League clash with Galatasaray on Tuesday and praised the performance of Thibaut Courtois in the 1-0 win.

With just one point accrued from their first two Champions League matches of the campaign, Madrid were in desperate need of a victory. While aspects of their performance left much to be desired, the visitors were able to dig out a victory thanks to Toni Kroos' goal.

Hazard set up the opener with an unselfish piece of play but was unable to get on the scoresheet himself despite a clear chance. Despite that, Zidane said he has no worries about the club's summer signing, per Ryan Benson of Goal.

"It doesn't worry me," the manager said of the Belgium international. "He's better and he's going to improve more. The important thing is that he continues to have chances, because he's going to put them in."

Hazard was heavily involved in the only goal of the night, as he scampered into the penalty area from the left flank and squared for Kroos to finish:

As relayed by Goal, the former Chelsea man should have grabbed his first Champions League goal for his new club after rounding Fernando Muslera in the second half:

Eden Hazard missed from this position for Real Madrid tonight 😅 pic.twitter.com/g74SPfuAF7

— GOAL (@goal) October 22, 2019

The clean sheet for Madrid was a huge boost, although Galatasaray had a number of opportunities throughout the game. On many occasions, they were halted by key saves from Courtois.

Zidane conceded that the stopper kept the team in the contest with some brilliant moments in the first half.

"He has clearly saved us in the first half," said the Real Madrid boss. "We are happy for him and for the whole team—he needed that kind of match as well. He allowed us to get all three points."

Courtois hasn't enjoyed the best beginning to his Real Madrid career, and in the previous Champions League game against Club Brugge, he was substituted. Per Kiyan Sobhani of Managing Madrid, the former Chelsea man bailed his team out on Tuesday:

Courtois masking two huge positioning mistakes. Not sure what Kroos was thinking with that pressing gamble on the first one.

— Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) October 22, 2019

It was arguably his best performance for the club, and that will be a boost for Zidane as he seeks to inject confidence into his vital players. Spanish football writer Andy West also thought Hazard had his most effective game for Los Blancos despite his glaring miss:

He should have scored but that was Eden Hazard's best game for Real Madrid so far, in my view. Starting to really gel with Benzema. He's getting there.

— Andy West (@andywest01) October 22, 2019

Following the postponement of the weekend's Clasico showdown with Barcelona, Zidane now has time to work with his players on the training pitch and get some crucial members of the squad back from injury layoffs.

If Madrid are to challenge for domestic and European silverware, then you sense Hazard and Courtois will need to be consistent throughout the season. Both took a positive step forward in high-pressure and hostile circumstances on Tuesday.

Real Madrid defeated Galatasaray 1-0 on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League, with Los Blancos collecting their first victory in Group A.

The Spanish giants scored the only goal of the game after 18 minutes through Toni Kroos despite coming under early pressure from the hosts.

It was a mixed display from the visitors, with Madrid failing to maintain their performance during the victory in Istanbul.

However, the Turkish team lacked a clinical edge, and Real were let off the hook during Gala's best moments.

The hosts were the faster out of the blocks, with the away side initially appearing disjointed, but it was Real who took the lead against the run of play.

Karim Benzema fed Eden Hazard in the box, and the Belgian cut the ball back for Kroos to fire home.

The German's shot took a decisive deflection that helped the ball past goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

Gala were stunned by the strike, and the momentum they had quickly built up evaporated. However, the home team continued to work with the ball at their feet despite Real's attack becoming more active and enthused.

Hazard found plenty of space on the left, and the former Chelsea forward was busy throughout the first half.

Squawka's Muhammad Butt complimented Zinedine Zidane's central midfield and commented on its potential:

I like Valverde-Kroos as an axis, the Uruguayan really covers for the German's weaknesses. if Madrid's third midfielder was great pivot (say, Marcos Llorente) they'd have a really nice midfield.

— Muhammad Butt (@muhammadbutt) October 22, 2019

Gala slowly found their confidence again, building towards half-time, and Younes Belhanda forced Thibaut Courtois into a save to deny an equaliser before the interval.

The contest was scrappy, and neither side could put together cohesive waves of passing before the referee blew for the end of the first half.

Benzema had a chance to test Muslera early in the second half, but the Frenchman could not beat the 'keeper as he sprinted into the box.

The game remained a messy affair, and the midfield became congested after a series of mistakes on the ball.

Hazard produced a stunning miss shortly after the hour mark. The attacker rounded Muslera only to fire his shot against the crossbar.

The Super Lig side continued to hunt for an equaliser in the last 15 minutes, throwing bodies forward, but Real's defence stood firm against the increasing pressure.

Hazard appeared glum as he was substituted with 12 minutes remaining, but it was his assist that aided Real to a vital yet unconvincing win.

                     

What's Next

Gala are back in Super Lig action on Sunday away to Besiktas. Real next feature in La Liga against Leganes at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Wednesday, October 30.

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has said speculation linking Jose Mourinho with his position is a concern ahead of Tuesday's UEFA Champions League showdown with Galatasaray.

Zidane finds himself under pressure ahead of the contest, as Madrid have endured a challenging beginning to the campaign. On Saturday, they suffered a shock loss to newly promoted Real Mallorca and were knocked off the top of the La Liga table by Barcelona.

With just one point from their first two Champions League games, rumours have started to surface about Zidane's position, with Mourinho's name in the frame. Speaking about the links, the current Los Blancos boss said he is a little worried by the reports, per James Willoughby of Goal:

"In football, people forget what you've done in the past. The important thing is the present...I'm not going to say it doesn't bother me what is being said about other coaches, because it does.

"But what I have to do as a coach is to give everything, get the players to do the same, to give everything – and that's all I can do. It's a great game to play in, a great stadium, Champions League...we know what the situation is and we're going to try and win."

Zidane was also asked if he expects to be out of a job should his team suffer a defeat at the Turk Telekom Stadium. "I don't know," was his response. "You can't ask me that. All I can do is try and be here as long as I can. I want to be here forever."

Here are the highlights from Saturday's loss to Mallorca, when an injury-ravaged Madrid side turned in an awful display:

While Zidane will be hoping to call on a couple more players for the trip to Galatasaray, AS commented on the type of challenge that awaits Madrid in what promises to be a fiery atmosphere:

No Bale or Modric in Real Madrid squad for Galatasaray game as Zidane prepares for the final in "hell".
Today's cover of AS.#GalatasarayRealMadrid https://t.co/AkYEIQMRpJ pic.twitter.com/AHi7cERHSI

— AS USA (@English_AS) October 21, 2019

It was in the Champions League where Zidane enjoyed the majority of his success in his first spell in charge of the club. The former midfielder steered the team to a historic trio of consecutive successes, with the team showcasing quality, composure and spirit in clutch moments in the tournament. They're crying out for some of those qualities currently.

With speculation starting to gather pace about Mourinho, it feels like Zidane needs a win to alleviate some scrutiny.

Earlier this season, Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague said Mourinho hasn't taken another job this term as he's hopeful of taking over at the Santiago Bernabeu:

'He's ignored HUGE financial offers from China, he's waiting and he's.... José Mourinho'@GuillemBalague believes José Mourinho will replace Zinedine Zidane, if results don't improve at Real Madrid.

Listen to the Football Daily 👇
📲⚽️: https://t.co/3aIa0EoGxj#bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/QovwcBaMOs

— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) September 13, 2019

The Portuguese was in charge of the capital club between 2010 and 2013. During his time at the helm, he won one La Liga title and one Copa del Rey, helping Real Madrid back to the summit of Spanish football following a spell of dominance from Pep Guardiola's Barcelona side.

Most recently, Mourinho was sacked by Manchester United in December 2018, having steered the team to their worst-ever start to a Premier League season. Although his reputation sagged after that difficult job, if reports are to be believed, he still has admirers at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid take on Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League at the Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi on Tuesday as they continue their search for their first win in the competition this season.

Both sides sit on one point in Group A after two matches.

Real drew 2-2 with Club Brugge in their last European outing, while Galatasaray tied 0-0 with the Belgian outfit in September.

                         

Date: Tuesday, October 22

Time: 8 p.m. BST/3 p.m. ET

TV: BT Sport ESPN (UK)

Live Stream: BT Sport Live (UK), B/R Live (USA)

Odds: Galatasaray (23-5), Draw (31-10), Real Madrid (59-100)

Odds courtesy of Caesars

              

Real come into the match on the back of their first La Liga defeat of the season, after losing 1-0 to Real Mallorca on Saturday.

Fox Sports' James Dodd would not be surprised if they lost on Tuesday, too:

First league defeat of the season for Real Madrid, beaten 1-0 by Mallorca.

Fair to say they've flattered to deceive for a lot of this season and wouldn't bet against them losing against Galatasaray on Tuesday either.

Crisis incoming? #MallorcaRealMadrid

— James Dodd (@JamesDodd89) October 19, 2019

While they may been unbeaten in their first eight league games of the campaign, they were held to three draws against Real Valladolid, Villarreal and Atletico Madrid.

In the Champions League, they were beaten 3-0 at Paris Saint-Germain despite the French side playing without Kylian Mbappe, Neymar or Edinson Cavani.

Against Mallorca, Los Blancos were without the injured Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, while Eden Hazard was absent due to the birth of his child.

Real have named Kroos and Hazard in their 21-man squad for Tuesday's game, and they'll need the latter in particular to perform.

Fellow summer signing Luka Jovic was handed a start on Saturday, but as OptaJose illustrated, he struggled to have an impact on the game:

0 - Against Mallorca, Luka Jovic failed to register a single shot and a single touch in the oppositte box. Disconnection. pic.twitter.com/tEjYLLTPz4

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) October 19, 2019

Tom Allnutt of the Agence France-Presse put his difficult start at the Santiago Bernabeu in perspective:

€60m Luka Jovic mins for Real Madrid this season:
9, 22, 68, 7, 20, 0, 90, 2, 0, 0, 66. And goals: 0

— Tom Allnutt (@TomAllnutt_) October 19, 2019

Until the striker is able to find his feet at his new club, Madrid need the likes of Hazard to pick up the slack in the final third.

At the other end, Real have shipped five goals in their last three matches, so they'll be thankful their opponents have had troubles scoring this season.

Despite bringing in striker Radamel Falcao in the summer, Galatasaray have only scored nine times in their eight league matches this season, and they've failed to find the net in their first two Champions League games.

Real are yet to convince, though, so it's far from guaranteed they'll have an easy time on Tuesday even amid the Turkish side's attacking struggles.

Los Blancos need to take three points if they are to get their Champions League campaign back on track, but they will have to play markedly better than they have recently to do so.

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has said he's not "worried" after his team slumped to their first La Liga loss of the season on Saturday against Real Mallorca.

Los Blancos were well below their best against the newly promoted side, with Lago Junior's seventh-minute goal enough for the home side to secure a memorable victory at Estadi de Son Moix. Madrid toiled in response and saw a miserable day capped off when Alvaro Odriozola was sent off in the second half.

After the contest, Zidane said he wasn't too concerned by the performance, although he called on his players to show more consistency in their play, per Joe Wright of Goal:

"The problem is that we have to show every three days that we're good. That's the difficulty—we don't do it. I won't say that I'm worried because I don't like the word, but if we want to win something this season, we need consistency.

"[I feel] bad because we didn't play the game we wanted and in the end, starting as we started, it has been difficult. In the second half, we were a little anxious because there had been no scoring chances."

Here are the highlights from a forgetful evening in Mallorca for the La Liga giants:

Earlier in the day, Barcelona won 3-0 at Eibar, meaning the champions will finish the weekend ahead of their great rivals at the top of the La Liga table.

Per Kiyan Sobhani of Managing Madrid, Los Blancos have been unable to capitalise on what has been a sluggish start for the Catalan giants:

Barcelona's worst start to a La Liga season in 25 years. pic.twitter.com/t36cdjyKLC

— Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) October 19, 2019

Although Zidane was without a number of key players because of injury—Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Gareth Bale and Lucas Vazquez were all missing—he still would have been hoping for a better performance from his players.

After conceding the early goal, there was little urgency in Madrid's play, with Karim Benzema's effort that clipped off the crossbar in the first period the only time they looked like threatening. 

Spanish football writer Andy West thinks Zidane will be pleased Los Blancos don't have to play Barcelona on Saturday following this display:

Can't really condemn Real Madrid too much after playing without eight players, but there was a real lack of coherence in the second half. Created hardly anything, lacking ideas. Clásico postponement a blessing for Zidane...

— Andy West (@andywest01) October 19, 2019

The injury issues represented an opportunity for some fringe players to make their cases for regular starting spots. Odriozola was disappointing before being given his marching orders in the 74th minute, while Luka Jovic had another testing afternoon after his big-money move from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer:

0 - Against Mallorca, Luka Jovic failed to register a single shot and a single touch in the oppositte box. Disconnection. pic.twitter.com/tEjYLLTPz4

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) October 19, 2019

Although the defeat was Madrid's first of the La Liga season, overall they have not performed well on a regular basis, and it's easy to see why Zidane is frustrated.

There's a sense of an opportunity missed for Los Blancos given Barcelona's own relative issues early in the campaign. While Zidane may not be concerned, as is always the case at the Santiago Bernabeu, should these poor performances continue, the pressure will start to build on the coach.

Real Madrid's unbeaten start to the 2019-20 La Liga season came to an end on Saturday, courtesy of a 1-0 against Mallorca.

Lago Junior gave the hosts a shock lead after just seven minutes, and while Real had their chances to tie things up before the break, Los Blancos were never able to put the minnows under real pressure. Alvaro Odriozola was sent off after the break.

Mallorca made a perfect start to the contest, opting to sit back and finding success with their very first counter. Aleix Febas eventually found Lago, who beat Odriozola before curling the ball home.

Goal couldn't believe it:

GOAL! Lago Junior scores and Mallorca 1-0 up against Real Madrid! pic.twitter.com/lpHpWqURzX

— GOAL (@goal) October 19, 2019

The goal seemed to rattle Real, who struggled to put together passing moves with any fluency for much of the half. They also conceded a second goal after just 15 minutes, but the assistant raised his flag to deny Dani Rodriguez an even better start to the match.

Los Blancos' defence was all over the place every time Mallorca countered, and Rodriguez almost turned home a clever cut-back. Vinicius Jr. fired a shot over the bar from long range, the only real danger Real produced inside the first 20 minutes.

The visitors improved as the half wore on, however, and both Eder Militao and Vinicius narrowly missed the target with solid chances. Karim Benzema went closest, hitting the cross bar with a half volley, and Manolo Reina made an easy save to deny Marcelo.

At half-time, sports writer Kiyan Sobhani pointed the finger at Zinedine Zidane for Real's struggles:

Overlooked Mallorca a bit -- thinking you get get away with a gung-ho line-up with clear holes in midfield. Some of the gaps behind the press would've been exploited by a better team who can build up better from the back.

— Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) October 19, 2019

Real continued to push for an equaliser in the second half but couldn't find many chances initially. Ante Budimir headed a great chance for a second Mallorca goal just wide, before the hosts gambled by introducing Real loanee Takefusa Kubo, giving him half an hour of playing time against his parent club.

Sergio Ramos curled a free-kick well over the cross bar, illustrating Real's struggles on the day. And to make matters worse, Odriozola was sent off for a second bookable offence after 74 minutes, handing all the momentum to the hosts.

Per AS English, there was little doubt the second booking for a needless lunge was justified:

Odriozola gets his marching orders. Second yellow. Can't have any complaints. https://t.co/OJTIIalgPc

— AS USA (@English_AS) October 19, 2019

Ramos claimed a late penalty for minimal contact in the box, and Marcelo almost surprised Reina with a wayward cross that went goalwards. Mallorca comfortably survived the late onslaught, however, bagging their second win of the season.

The result means defending champions Barcelona now lead the standings, one point ahead of Los Blancos.

   

What's Next?

Los Blancos will travel to Istanbul for a UEFA Champions League clash with Galatasaray on Tuesday. Mallorca's next outing will be Saturday's La Liga contest against Leganes.