Real Madrid

Benzema gave Real Madrid a golden victory, proving the controversy surrounding him is unfair. Everything he does is scrutinised and questioned. Well, against Mallorca, the French striker proved to be decisive for Real Madrid by scoring the victory goal that kept Mourinho's team well in the fight for the title.

The coach used a rotation system, leaving Xabi Alonso and Ozil on the bench in favour of Gago, Kaka and Granero due to the exhaustion the Copa del Rey is inflicting on the team (the first leg of the semifinals will take place on Wednesday). The starting lineup logically suffered from the changes and didn't look comfortable on the pitch. Mallorca didn't experience much of a threat and even dared to venture in attack on occasion: Nsue hit one of the posts on the 13-minute mark. Real Madrid kept possession throughout most of the first half, but had no chances on goal.

Ozil and Alonso came on for Gago and Kaka in the second half and the team changed its attitude immediately. Ozil added his speed and vision to the team's game, while Alonso helped it keep possession longer and make faster counterattacks. Nevertheless, minutes still went by without any goals scored and the crowd started to seem nervous.

That's when Benzema pulled rank. He controlled the ball outside the box, stepped inside and, following a quick move to take aim, scored the winner (60'). As soon as this happened, Mourinho made Lass come on for Granero. Mallorca kept trying to score, leaving open spaces the Whites could easily use to counterattack.

Cristiano Ronaldo nearly netted a second strike from a free-kick, but his shot was just off target. The Portuguese forward had a chance minutes later from a header, but he sent the ball to the crossbar. Webo and Nsue kept trying to score an equaliser for the visitors, and Benzema nearly scored again, but his shot was saved by keeper Aouate. Iker Casillas was also forced to make a decisive save to clear a shot by Webo just before the end.

Lineups

Real Madrid
Casillas
Arbeloa
Ricardo Carvalho
Sergio Ramos
Marcelo
Gago
Xabi Alonso 48'
Granero
Lassana Diarra 65'
Kaká
Özil 48'
Di María
Cristiano Ronaldo
Benzema	Goal 63'

Mallorca
Aouate
Ratinho
Nunes
Ramis
Kevin
Joao Victor
Tejera
Pereira
Nsue
Castro
Webó