Real Madrid failed to get the new La Liga season off to a good start. The royal star ensemble only drew 1-1 in Mallorca
Four days after triumphing in the UEFA Super Cup, Real Madrid faced their La Liga opener. Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who made no changes to the starting eleven, traveled to the vacation island of Mallorca on matchday 1, where summer signing Mbappé made his league debut.
RCD made the better start to the game and did not allow Real to get the ball in the opening minutes. However, their initial dominance only resulted in one dangerous shot from Samuel Costa, which Courtois turned over the crossbar (6′). It was only then that Real began to find their feet, but the Whites took the lead with their first shot on goal – Rodrygo flicked the ball beautifully into the right-hand corner (13′).
From then on, it was just the 15-time Champions League winners, who combined around the penalty area with sometimes tantalizing ease. Rodrygo (19), Rüdiger (22) and Mbappé (25) had further chances, but a second goal was not to come before the break. Meanwhile, Mallorca’s best chance came from Muriqi, who almost benefited from a blunder by Courtois (43′).
Muriqi catches Real cold after the break
As in the first half, it was Mallorca who came out of the locker room better. And this time RCD knew how to take advantage: After a corner from Rodriguez, Muriqi headed home the equalizer (53′). It was fully deserved at this point, as Real took a long time to get back into their stride – until the 63rd minute and a dangerous shot from Mbappé. Eight minutes later, it was the Frenchman again who failed to beat Greif.
Real now invested more in the search for the opening goal again, but Mallorca held firm and ran the ball just as well. As a result, it was hardly dangerous in front of Greif’s goal in the final phase, who only had to save a long-range attempt from substitute Modric (82′).
Front foul by Mendy
At the other end, RCD even had two more chances for the lucky punch, but Morlanes (88′) and Sanchez (90′) both shot too hastily. Real’s frustration grew as the game wore on and, shortly before the end, Mendy was shown a straight red card for kicking Muriqi from behind (90.+7). It was the end of a botched start to the 2024/25 La Liga season from the Whites’ point of view. Mallorca, meanwhile, more than deserved their point.
Real host promoted Valladolid at the Santiago Bernabeu next matchday (Sunday, 5pm). Mallorca travel to Osasuna on Saturday (5pm)
