Ancelotti plays down fears of Vinícius fresh injury after Mallorca win

Real Madrid ensured they would be La Liga leaders at the midway point of the season thanks to a narrow victory over Mallorca at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday. Antonio Rüdiger headed in a Luka Modric corner with 13 minutes remaining to give Los Blancos all three points as Vinícius Júnior returned to the team following a hamstring tear.

The Brazilian was a surprise starter on his comeback and played for just under 60 minutes before being replaced by Brahim Díaz. After the game, Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed the plan had always been to give the winger an hour at most, discussed tactical changes following the derby defeat to Atlético Madrid in September, and pleaded for patience with teenage prodigy Arda Güler, who has still to make his debut.

Said Ancelotti after Real Madrid’s LaLiga win over Mallorca,

 “In the first part of the season, we’ve scored a lot of goals from set pieces. The coaching staff have done a lot of good work with that. We have good free-kick takers and excellent headers of the ball, like Rüdiger. In games like this, set pieces give you an advantage. Mallorca was very organised and defended very well in one-on-one duels. We didn’t play at our best. It was normal; there was a lack of freshness in the final third. But we won with a well-executed set piece.”

On Rudiger’s recent form, “He has taken advantage of others’ injuries and performed consistently at a very high level. He’s always ready to deal with opponents directly, he’s a reliable presence in our defence. He’s doing his best.”

As for Vinícius Ancelotti said  “It was agreed beforehand he would play for an hour; he had a bad injury. The question was whether to start him or bring him on in the second half. It’s done him good.”

 “It shouldn’t be a surprise when Bellingham doesn’t score. He had to work hard, and he did. When he scores - and he scores many goals - it’s a bonus. His performance was like those of the other attackers; he lacked a bit of accuracy and freshness.”

On the team’s clean sheet: “I’m pleased. The team is working well together, showing commitment. Defensive work is not just about quality, but also attitude. We have fixed the problem we had against Atlético Madrid. We’re missing players at the back, but we’re very solid. That’s the most important thing.”

On whether the club will sign players in January: “I’m taking that into account, we’ve had problems in the past. We’re getting some important players back. Camavinga and Mendy will be back for the next game, which gives me confidence. Vinícius’ fitness will improve. We’ve suffered in the past, but I’m confident we can do better this month.”