Real Madrid picked up a fifth successive victory to start their 2022/23 LaLiga campaign, which was the first time since September 25th, 2019 that the league leaders won a LaLiga game by more than a one-goal margin without Benzema.
Benzema got injured in a Champions League game and was sent off, paving the way for Eden Hazard. Their Champions League opener against Celtics FC at Celtics Park on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, was his last appearance of the season.
With five successes in LaLiga and one away victory in the Champions League at Celtics Park, Carlos Ancelotti is by far the only manager in Europe’s top five leagues to have a 100% winning record throughout all competitions.
Their win against Mallorca at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu has been widely discussed, citing a mysterious comeback by the team. A solid Mallorca side took the lead through Vedat Muriqi in the 35th minute, but thanks to Federico Valverde’s goal before the teams washed down.
Just at beginning of the second half, Ancelotti made four substitutions to his lineup: Nacho Fernandez, Luka Modrić, Eduardo Camavinga, and Daniel Carvajal were each sent off, while Ferland Mendy, Eden Hazard, Daniel Ceballos, and Lucas Vazquez entered the game.
To maintain their lead over Mallorca in the Spanish LaLiga, the home team earned all three points thanks to three exquisite goals from Vini Junior and Rodrygo, as well as Rüdiger’s goal, all in the second half. This was also the home side’s eighth straight victory against Mallorca.
Ancelotti addressed the media in the press room of the Santiago Bernabéu stadium after Real Madrid’s victory over Mallorca. He discussed the team’s level of fitness and how they were able to play without their main striker, Karim Benzema.
“We’re doing well, very well. We’ve been able to cover Benzema’s absence. That was a big confidence boost given that we expect to have him back as soon as possible.” Ancelotti revealed this after the game at home last Sunday.
