MADRID — Kylian Mbappe was left frustrated on his Real Madrid La Liga debut as a resilient Real Mallorca held the Spanish and European champions to a 1-1 draw in their title defence opener.
The French superstar was thwarted by Mallorca goalkeeper Dominik Greif and after Rodrygo Goes sent Madrid ahead early on, the hosts levelled in the second half through Vedat Muriqi’s towering header.
Madrid’s star-studded side struggled to break down Mallorca, who came closer to winning the game in the final stages at Son Moix Stadium.
Los Blancos defender Ferland Mendy was sent off in stoppage time for a high challenge on Muriqi, AFP reported.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti selected the same starting lineup that defeated Atalanta to win the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday, with Jude Bellingham in midfield behind the Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo attacking line.
“They change position from time to time,” Ancelotti said of Vinicius and Mbappe according to AP. “Sometimes Mbappe plays more centrally and sometimes one of the two has to occupy this flank, without a particular plan. It depends on how they feel about it.”
“We got off to a good start, taking the lead and then had a chance to get the second goal,” Ancelotti added.
“We didn´t find the balance in the second half. We could have lost as there was no balance at the back. It wasn´t a good game. We need to defend better. We´re a very attacking team, but defensive balance is a fundamental factor.”
Madrid defender Ferland Mendy was sent off deep into second-half stoppage time for a hard foul on Muriqi.
“I don´t want to make excuses for anything, but we just need to do better and with a better attitude,” Ancelotti said. “We can learn a lot from this match. It´s quite clear where our problems could come from.”
Rafael Nadal, who is from the island of Mallorca, was among those watching the match at the Son Moix Stadium.
Mallorca´s players provided a guard of honor for the Super Cup winners, lining up to applaud the Madrid team as they entered the field before kickoff.
Mallorca coach Jagoba Arrasate was facing his first match in charge of the Copa del Rey runners-up and could not have asked for a tougher challenge on paper than the reigning champions, bolstered by Mbappe’s arrival.
However, his team rose to the challenge and earned a creditable point.
Madrid, who lost just once last season as they marched convincingly to the title, started quickly and took the lead after a slick combination between their Brazilian forwards.
Vinicius rolled the ball backwards for Rodrygo to collect in the area and the winger bent a shot into the far corner, beyond the reach of Greif.
The goalkeeper tipped away another Rodrygo effort and Mbappe sent an effort wide as Madrid stayed on top but could not expand upon their advantage.
Arrasate urged his players to stay in the game until halftime and they duly obliged, shutting down Los Blancos’ array of stars.
Muriqi came close before the break for the hosts and tough-tackling defender Pablo Maffeo was booked for an ugly challenge on Vinicius.
Mallorca levelled early in the second half with burly Kosovo target man Muriqi powering a header home from Dani Rodriguez’s corner.
Greif saved low from Mbappe at his near post and Vinicius lashed over as Ancelotti’s side sought to regain the lead.
Ancelotti sent on veteran Luka Modric, who turns 39 in September, for defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, in search of more fluidity in attack against Mallorca’s bunkered-in defence.
Mbappe came close again but Greif denied him once more and Johan Mojica hacked the rebound to safety before Rodrygo could reach it.
Mallorca stabilised and held their own in the final stages to leave Mbappe disappointed on his league debut.
