We were unlucky to fall to a 1-0 defeat against Real Madrid as Antonio Rudiger’s goal proved to be a difference for our first game of 2024. 

Javier Aguirre opted to start Manuel Morlanes in midfield as Pablo Maffeo returned to right back after our return from the winter break.

Predrag Rajkovic was busy during the opening exchanges Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior showed their quality with half chances.  

Our shot stopper had to be at his best in the 37^th minute to make a fine acrobatic save to palm away Vinicius Junior’s powerful strike from outside the box. 

Morlanes had the first half’s best opportunity minutes before half-time as our midfielder rose highest to head the ball against the underside of the bar. 

We ended the first half with a final chance for Cyle Larin but our striker just fired wide from close range. 

Having reduced the hosts to just a few chances and ended the first half the better side, we then struck the post in the 54^th minute when Samu Costa had an effort from distance. 

We were lucky to be level in the 70^th minute when Rajkovic made a good save to stop Rodrygo before Fede Valverde hit the post from close range on the follow up with the goal at his mercy. 

Rudiger gave the hosts the lead in the 78^th minute when he rose highest to head home from a corner. 

The defender’s goal would prove to be the difference as we desperately searched for a late equaliser but were unable to level in the closing stages.