Real Madrid manager Ancelotti plays down fears of Vinícius injury setback after Mallorca win

Real Madrid ensured they would be LaLiga leaders at the midway point of the season thanks to a narrow victory over Mallorca at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday. Antonio Rüdiger headed in a Luka Modric corner with 13 minutes remaining to give Los Blancos all three points as Vinícius Júnior returned to the team following a hamstring tear.

The Brazilian was a surprise starter on his comeback and played for just under 60 minutes before being replaced by Brahim Díaz. After the game, Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed the plan had always been to give the winger an hour at most, discussed tactical changes following the derby defeat to Atlético Madrid in September and pleaded for patience with teenage prodigy Arda Güler, who has still to make his debut.

What did Ancelotti say after Real Madrid’s LaLiga win over Mallorca?

Overall assessment of the match: “In the first part of the season, we’ve scored a lot of goals from set pieces. The coaching staff have done a lot of good work with that. We have good free-kick takers and excellent headers of the ball, like Rüdiger. In games like this, set pieces give you an advantage. Mallorca were very organised and defended very well in one-on-one duels. We didn’t play at our best. It was normal; there was a lack of freshness in the final third. But we won with a well-executed set piece.”

Rüdiger: “He has taken advantage of others’ injuries and performed consistently at a very high level. He’s always ready to deal with opponents directly, he’s a reliable presence in our defence. He’s doing his best.”

60 minutes “did Vinícius good”

Vinícius: “It was agreed beforehand he would play for an hour; he had a bad injury. The question was whether to start him or bring him on in the second half. It’s done him good.”

Bellingham: “It shouldn’t be a surprise when Bellingham doesn’t score. He has to work hard, and he did. When he scores - and he scores many goals - it’s a bonus. His performance was like those of the other attackers; he lacked a bit of accuracy and freshness.”

Another clean sheet: “I’m pleased. The team is working well together, showing commitment. Defensive work is not just about quality, but also attitude. We have fixed the problem we had against Atlético Madrid. We’re missing players at the back, but we’re very solid. That’s the most important thing.”

Güler “will get game time” for Madrid

Güler: “He’s fine, calm, very happy to be working with the team again. I’m always very conscious of the fact he’s 18 years old. We have to be patient and calm with him; he will be a very important player in the present and the future. Everyone needs to be patient with him. I am, and he is too. He will get game time. He has the quality.”

Brahim: “He’s in really good form. He has added some freshness to the team, which has been welcome. He’s playing well and made a good contribution today. I don’t know how he missed that goal, but heading is not his biggest strength. Joselu also brought something to the team, which was under some pressure.”

A two-horse race in LaLiga? “I don’t think so. The top four will fight for the league title.”

Is Andriy Lunin or Kepa first-choice goalkeeper?

Lunin and Kepa: “There will be a goalkeeper in goal, that’s for sure. We’ll see. Lunin played because Kepa had been suffering from flu. Kepa will play the next one, and then we’ll see before going to Saudi Arabia (for the Spanish Super Cup).”

Complicated January: “I’m taking that into account, we’ve had problems in the past. We’re getting some important players back. Camavinga and Mendy will be back for the next game, which gives me confidence. Vinícius’ fitness will improve. We’ve suffered in the past, but I’m confident we can do better this month.”

Winter champions: “We’ve done well, it couldn’t have been better. But that part is over, we have to look forward now.”

Arandina (in the Copa del Rey on Saturday): “We’ll rotate a bit. I’ll think about it tomorrow. Some academy players will be in the squad, maybe I’ll include a central defender alongside Nacho, who didn’t play today. We’ll try to put on a good performance.”

Defensive improvement after defeat to Atlético Madrid

Changes after the derby defeat: “The goals we conceded opened our eyes; we were weak when defending crosses. We fixed that by keeping our two central defenders closer to the goal when there are crosses and getting our midfielders to offer more help on the wings. We have fixed it well.”

Referee Alejandro Ruiz Muñiz: “He’s young, and he has quality. There were a few little things, especially related to some of the cards shown. We complained a lot, too much in my opinion. That’s not good. We have to understand that you can’t get yellow cards for your opponents by complaining. I don’t like it. He could have been a bit more accurate, but he’s a young referee who has quality.”