Brahim Diaz’s blushes were saved by Antonio Rudiger’s strike in the second half as Real Madrid defeated Mallorca 1-0 at home on Wednesday, extending their league winning streak to 13 games.

In the 78th minute, Rudiger scored his first goal of the season by powering a header into the top corner, taking advantage of some careless defending from Luka Modric’s corner.

It happened minutes after Rodrygo’s attempt was stopped and Diaz appeared to head in a rebound at close range, but his header amazingly struck the inside of the post before teetering dangerously across the goalline to safety.

With the victory, Real climbed to 48 points, three more than surprise leader Girona, who will visit Atletico Madrid in third place later on Wednesday.

Rudiger told reporters, “Great cross by Luka, great block by (Dani) Carvajal and luckily it went in.”

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Real Madrid beat Mallorca 1-0 at home courtesy of a second-half Antonio Rudiger header

Rudiger scored his first LaLiga goal since scoring against the same opponents in 2022

It came after Brahim Diaz (No 21) missed a header from point-blank range on Wednesday

‘I’m happy because it was an important goal and three important points for us. This team has something special, a good mix of young and old talent.’

Mallorca had mounted a resilient defensive display and came close to shocking Real with two efforts that hit the woodwork.

Vinicius Jr also went close to scoring on his return to action after being sidelined with an injury but Mallorca keeper Predrag Rajkovic made a superb save to deny the Brazilian in the first half.

‘It’s always a difficult game when you come back from holidays,’ Real defender Carvajal told Real Madrid TV.

‘Mallorca played a tactically very good game, very aggressive in defence. The set piece gave us the victory.’

Jude Bellingham also featured in the win that saw Real keep their spot at the top of LaLiga