Real Madrid's Karim Benzema (front) celebrates after scoring against Mallorca during their Spanish first division match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on Sunday. Felix Ordonez / Reuters

MADRID - Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho admitted his team selection gamble on Sunday in the crucial clash against Real Mallorca was a high-risk strategy.

Real edged a 1-0 win to stay four points behind Barcelona with French striker Karim Benzema grabbing the only goal to end a week when his lackluster performances had caused friction between Mourinho and General Manager Jorge Valdano.

But it was a poor first half on Sunday and an unhappy Mourinho responded with a double substitution with Xabi Alonso and Mesut Ozil coming on for Fernando Gago and Kaka.

"My decisions were risky, but I allowed the midfielders who will play in Sevilla (in the midweek Spanish Cup semifinal against the holder) to rest tonight," said Mourinho.

"(Sami) Khedira is injured, but he will play on Wednesday. I wanted to avoid being in a difficult situation by half-time against Mallorca. The 0-0 score was good because we knew we were going to make changes to the lineup in the second half.

"The double substitution helped the team make an immediate improvement."

Mourinho also praised the Real fans for their patience and for not turning against the team.

"If the fans support the team it means they support the coach, because I am the team," Mourinho told the club's official website.

"I need the fans to be with the team, and they are. I cannot expect them to be incredibly happy tonight, but it is very complicated to play nine games in January at a very high level. The team still has its limitations, but it continues to win, which is what really matters."

Goalkeeper Iker Casillas meanwhile leapt to the support of 35-million-euro ($47.5 million) Benzema who grabbed the goal, but then missed a handful of chances to add to the scoreline.

"He will make all the front pages and news reports. He has an introverted character but he has opened up and has the whole support of the dressing room," said captain Iker Casillas. "He is young and has a lot of talent."

Kings Cup clash

Brazilian international forward Luis Fabiano warned Real Madrid Sevilla is psyched up for Wednesday's Kings Cup semifinal first leg as it looks to reach the final and retain the trophy.

Fabiano scored a hat-trick in Sevilla's 4-1 home win over Levante on Saturday and now the cup holder has Madrid in its sight.

"Every game is a final now and we have to continue playing like this," said Fabiano.

"It will be a great game against Real (Madrid) and we have to go into the match to get a victory against them and try to go on to retain the cup.

"They are a great team but we can beat them. We want another title and to leave Madrid empty-handed."

Madrid has a terrible record in the Kings Cup with its last success way back in 1993 while Sevilla lifted the trophy in 2007 and 2010.

Sevilla coach Gregorio Manzano was delighted with the comfortable win over Levante and said his side could cause Real problems.

"Things turned out how we wanted and it was a relatively comfortable win," said Manzano.

"We have started the second half of the season on the right foot and have to push on now.

"We have to try and recover this defensive intensity because, with the firepower we have, we are sure to be successful if we defend well."

AFP - Reuters

(China Daily 01/25/2011 page22)