Highlights: Mbappe Misses Out on La Liga Debut Win for Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappe’s debut in La Liga with Real Madrid ended in a 1-1 draw against a determined Real Mallorca on Sunday, complicating the start of Madrid’s title defense.

Despite an early lead by Rodrygo Goes, Mallorca equalized in the second half with a powerful header from Vedat Muriqi. Madrid, despite their high-profile lineup, struggled to penetrate Mallorca’s defense, and the match at Son Moix stadium saw the home team nearly clinching a win towards the end.

The match intensified when Real Madrid’s Ferland Mendy received a red card during stoppage time for a reckless challenge on Muriqi.

Real Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s performance, noting a lack of balance and vulnerability to counter-attacks. “We initially took the lead and had opportunities to score another, but our game was unbalanced in the second half,” Ancelotti explained to the media. He emphasized the team’s need for better defense and stability.

Ancelotti had fielded the same lineup that triumphed over Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup earlier in the week, featuring Jude Bellingham in midfield supporting an attacking trio of Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo.

Mbappe, who had scored in the Super Cup victory, was unable to find the net in his first league match in Spain, marking a less celebratory start at his new club.

Ancelotti highlighted the need for improved effort and attitude from his players. “This match highlighted our problems clearly. Mallorca played very well defensively, better than us,” he added.

Mallorca’s coach, Jagoba Arrasate, faced a formidable task in his debut managing the Copa del Rey finalists against the champions, now boosted by Mbappe’s presence. Nevertheless, his team performed admirably, securing a valuable point.

Madrid had a promising start with their Brazilian forwards orchestrating the opening goal. Vinicius set up Rodrygo inside the penalty area, who curled a shot into the net. Although Rodrygo and Mbappe had further chances, with Greif thwarting another attempt by Rodrygo and Mbappe shooting wide, Madrid couldn’t extend their lead.

Arrasate’s strategy to keep his team competitive until half-time succeeded, effectively containing Madrid’s star-studded offense through the first half and beyond.