Real Madrid’s Stumble in Season Opener

Real Madrid started their La Liga title defense with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Mallorca. The match was held at the Son Moix stadium, where the atmosphere was electric, but the performance from the so-called ‘New Galacticos’ left fans wanting more.

Brazilian forward Rodrygo put Real Madrid ahead early on with a beautiful curling shot, thanks to a clever back-heel assist from fellow countryman Vinicius Junior. But after that, things didn’t go as planned for the star-studded team.

Despite dominating possession, Real Madrid struggled to create clear chances as Mallorca started to counter-attack effectively. The frustrations mounted for Real when Mallorca’s Muriqi equalized with a powerful header following a corner kick in the second half.

Vinicius Junior faced a tough game as he was targeted by local fans, reminding many of the racial abuse he faced in 2023. His frustrations boiled over as he had several heated exchanges with rival players, and he was even warned by the referee.

Real’s goalkeeper made some crucial saves to maintain the lead, but the team couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities. Kylian Mbappe, in particular, had a lackluster performance, failing to find the net despite several chances.

Following the match, Real Madrid’s coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed his disappointment, mentioning the team’s lack of balance. He noted that they need to improve their defensive discipline while playing their attacking style.

Ancelotti admitted that the forward players’ roaming positions contributed to the team’s vulnerabilities and acknowledged that Mallorca deserved the draw for their solid defense.