Mallorca 1 - 2 Real Madrid

Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho: We had to take risks to beat Mallorca

The Portuguese trainer praised the Blancos' opponents on Saturday, claiming they forced him into making several tactical decisions to help mastermind a narrow victory

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has revealed that his team were forced to take risks in order to come away with a 2-1 victory against Mallorca in La Liga on Saturday.

Goals from Gonzalo Higuain and Jose Callejon eventually handed all three points to the capital giants, but the 48-year-old explained that he had to make numerous game-changing decisions to give the Blancos a chance of returning to Madrid with at least a point.

"We had to take risks in the second half to win, and note the specified changes we would have to make if we scored again," said Mourinho.

"I replaced Marcelo because I wanted to use three defenders against an opponent with two wingers and a centre-forward.

"I opted for three fast players: Fabio [Coentrao], Sergio [Ramos] and Pepe. Many times one must replace players for tactical reasons, not because they played badly."

Mourinho then reserved praise for Mallorca, for whom Tomer Hemed's 39th minute strike gave the lead.

"We faced a team with a great coach who organised themselves perfectly in defence," said Mourinho. "They knew what our strengths and our style are.

"They were very focussed and all their men played together waiting for a counter-attack. I think they had a fantastic first half. Sometimes you have to give credit to your opponent."

Source: goal.com