Kylian Mbappe had a frustrating Real Madrid La Liga debut as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Mallorca. Despite Madrid taking the lead early on through Rodrygo Goes, Mallorca managed to level the score with Vedat Muriqi’s header. Madrid struggled to break down their opponents, and defender Ferland Mendy was sent off in stoppage time. Coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted that his team lacked balance and needed to defend better. Mbappe, who scored in the UEFA Super Cup victory, was unable to find the back of the net in his league debut.
Ancelotti was not impressed with his team’s work rate and called for more attitude and improvement. Mallorca coach Jagoba Arrasate was pleased with his team’s defensive performance against the star-studded Madrid side. Despite facing a tough challenge, Mallorca managed to earn a creditable point. Arrasate’s strategy to stay in the game paid off as Muriqi equalized early in the second half. Madrid’s frustration was evident as Mendy received a red card for a high challenge on Muriqi.
Madrid started the game well, with Rodrygo scoring a goal after a combination with Vinicius. However, they failed to capitalize on their early lead, with Greif making key saves to keep Mbappe at bay. Ancelotti made tactical changes, bringing on Modric for more attacking options, but Mallorca’s defense held firm. Despite their efforts, Madrid could not find a way past Mallorca’s resolute backline. Muriqi, who scored the equalizer, expressed his joy at scoring against a team like Madrid.
Mallorca’s strong defensive display frustrated Madrid throughout the game, with Greif making important saves to deny their star attackers. Despite their dominance in possession, Madrid struggled to create clear-cut chances. Ancelotti acknowledged that his team needed to defend better and work on their balance on the pitch. Mallorca’s performance, particularly in defense, impressed both fans and analysts. Muriqi’s goal against the reigning champions was a memorable moment for the Kosovo forward.
Overall, the match between Real Madrid and Real Mallorca ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams showing determination and resilience. Madrid will need to regroup and address their defensive issues moving forward, while Mallorca can take confidence from their performance against one of the top teams in the league. Mbappe’s debut did not go as planned, but he will have more opportunities to make his mark in the La Liga season. As the league progresses, both teams will be looking to improve and compete at the highest level in Spanish football.