Real Madrid title hopes dented as Mallorca stage upset

Palma, Spain, Feb 5 (EFE).- Real Madrid’s league title hopes took a dent on Sunday after RCD Mallorca pulled off a shock victory thanks to an own goal from Nacho Fernández and the steady hands of goalkeeper Predag Rajkovic, who stopped a Marco Asensio penalty.

The only goal of the game came in the 13th minute, when Nacho’s attempt at a defensive header flicked a crossed ball over Andriy Lunin — standing in for an injured Thibaut Courtois — and into his own net.

Real Madrid’s clearest chance to snatch at least a draw came when they awarded a penalty around the hour mark after Rajkovic brought Vinicius Junior down with a clumsy challenge.

Up stepped Asensio, who hit it low to the left and into the keeper’s hands.

Real Madrid remain second in the Spanish league and could finish the weekend eight points adrift from leaders Barcelona. EFE

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