Carlo Ancelotti’s wish to resume the 2023/2024 season on a winning note after signing a 2 years contract extension was fulfilled on Wednesday, although it did not come easy for the Los Blancos, who retained their top spot on the La Liga table.

Real Madrid welcomed Mallorca to Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday for their first game of 2024 and the return of the second round of matches in La Liga. Real Madrid went into the festive break top of the La Liga table ahead of Girona on goal difference and needed to win, to stay ahead of the second-placed surprise package of the season.

Girona themselves faced Real Madrid’s city rivals, Atletico Madrid, on the same night. Meanwhile, with two Brazilians leading the line in Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, Real Madrid still found it difficult to break the visitors’ defense in the first 45 minutes.

It took a second-half header from Antonio Rudiger in the 78th minute to secure the victory for Los Blancos. Mallorca caused problems for the hosts before the eventual winner.

Antonio Sanchez’s header bounced off the underside of the crossbar and down onto the goalline, with Samu Costa also hitting the post for the visitors in two separate incidents.

The win extends Real’s unbeaten run to 18 games in all competitions, helping them move three points clear, but second-placed Girona will level on points with Carlo Ancelotti’s side if they beat third-placed Atletico Madrid in Wednesday’s late game.

On the eve of the game of the game, Carlo Ancelotti addresses his contact with the Brazilian football body.

“Everyone knows that I had contact with the president of the Brazilian federation. I want to thank him for the affection and interest he showed towards me. In 2026, depending on my results, I may still be there. I want to be the coach of Madrid, and I hope to be able to continue being that in 2027 and 2028 because I want to stay here,” he said.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu