In preparation to face Real Madrid at home in La Liga on Sunday, Mallorca prepared a plan to stop Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Javier Aguirre played with a back five with two players man-marking Vinícius, and the plan was implemented to near perfection.
Mallorca recorded a famous 1-0 win against the defending champions and kept a crucial clean sheet on the way to moving to within three points of the European places.
Marca reports on Pablo Maffeo and Antonio José Raíllo’s combined success in keeping the tricky Brazilian winger quiet throughout the first half and most of the second.
Vini Jr did manage to cause more problems after half-time, with the clearest chance coming from a penalty won through a daring dribble into the box.
Marco Asensio stepped up to take the spot kick in the 60th minute, but was denied by a strong save by goalkeeper Predrag Rajković.
Maffeo and Raíllo added to their strong defensive performance by guarding Real Madrid’s young talent with provocations and a heavy physical presence.
Vinícius was fouled a total of 10 times, and while the two defenders did end up receiving deserved yellow cards during the course of the game, Vini’s frustration culminated in a booking of his own.
Mallorca’s snuffing out of the Madrid front line led to the victory after a dangerous cross from Dani Rodríguez resulted in an own goal from defender Nacho Fernández.
GSFN | Nicolás Antúnez de Mayolo
