La Liga 2024-25: Real Madrid denied perfect start to title defence after Mallorca holds it to a draw in opener

Madrid’s star-studded side struggled to break down Mallorca, which came closer to winning the game in the final stages at Son Moix Stadium.

Mallorca’s Vedat Muriqi, centre, runs past Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal, left, Vinicius Junior, 2nd left and Federico Valverde, right, while celebrating after scoring his side’s first goal. | Photo Credit: AP

Kylian Mbappe was left frustrated on his Real Madrid La Liga debut on Sunday as a resilient Real Mallorca held the Spanish and European champions to a 1-1 draw in its title defence opener.

The French superstar was thwarted by Mallorca goalkeeper Dominik Greif and after Rodrygo Goes sent Madrid ahead early on the host levelled in the second half through Vedat Muriqi’s towering header.

Madrid’s star-studded side struggled to break down Mallorca, which 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.

“We went ahead, we had chances to score the second, and then in the second half we lacked balance,” Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti told reporters.

“We conceded counter-attacks, it was not a good game, it was quite a clear game to see that we need to defend better and have better balance on the pitch.”

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti selected the same starting line-up which defeated Atalanta to win the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday, with Jude Bellingham in midfield behind the Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo attacking line.

AS IT HAPPENED: Mallorca vs Real Madrid highlights

Mallorca coach Jagoba Arrasate was facing his first match in charge of the Copa del Rey runner-up and could not have asked for a tougher challenge on paper than the reigning champion, bolstered by Mbappe’s arrival.

However, his team rose to the challenge and earned a creditable point.

Madrid, which lost just once last season as it 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 its advantage.

Arrasate urged his players to stay in the game until half-time and they duly obliged, shutting down Los Blancos’ array of stars.

Muriqi came close before the break for the host 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 its own in the final stages to leave Mbappe disappointed on his league debut.

Madrid’s frustration showed in Mendy’s wild hack at Muriqi which earned him a straight red card.

“I’m so tired but it was worth it, it was so important to get a point against a team like Madrid, maybe the best in the world,” said Muriqi.

“I have to be honest, scoring against Madrid is so beautiful.”