Kylian Mbappé’s highly anticipated La Liga debut for Real Madrid ended in frustration as the reigning Spanish and European champions were held to a 1-1 draw by a determined Real Mallorca on Sunday. The match, which marked the start of Madrid’s title defense, showcased the resilience of Mallorca, who stood firm against their star-studded opponents and even came close to snatching a win in the closing stages at Son Moix Stadium.
Mbappé, who was the marquee signing of the summer, found himself thwarted time and again by Mallorca’s resolute defense and the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Dominik Greif. Despite his best efforts, the French forward was unable to mark his debut with a goal, leaving him visibly frustrated as his side dropped two valuable points in their quest to retain the La Liga title.
Real Madrid got off to a strong start, taking the lead early on through a well-worked goal by Rodrygo Goes. The Brazilian winger linked up with his compatriot Vinícius Júnior, who rolled the ball back into Rodrygo’s path, allowing him to curl a precise shot into the far corner, beyond the outstretched hands of Greif. The goal was a testament to Madrid’s attacking prowess, as they looked to build on their midweek success in the UEFA Super Cup, where they defeated Atalanta to claim the trophy.
Despite dominating possession and creating several opportunities, Madrid struggled to extend their lead. Greif was called into action multiple times, denying Rodrygo and keeping out a close-range effort from Mbappé, who was eager to make an impact in his first league appearance. As the first half progressed, it became clear that Mallorca were not going to roll over easily. Under the guidance of their new coach, Jagoba Arrasate, the Copa del Rey runners-up showed a steely determination to stay in the game.
Arrasate, facing his first competitive match in charge, had the unenviable task of taking on the reigning champions in his debut. However, his tactical approach paid off, as his team successfully absorbed Madrid’s pressure and managed to keep the scoreline close heading into halftime. Vedat Muriqi, Mallorca’s powerful Kosovo striker, provided a warning sign for Madrid just before the break, coming close with a header that narrowly missed the target. The first half also saw a heated moment when Mallorca defender Pablo Maffeo was booked for a robust challenge on Vinícius Júnior, underlining the physical nature of the contest.
The second half began with Mallorca showing renewed energy, and they soon found their equalizer. Muriqi, who had been a handful for Madrid’s defenders throughout the match, rose highest to meet Dani Rodríguez’s corner, powering a header past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to level the score. The goal sent the home fans into raptures and set up a tense final half-hour as Madrid pushed for a winner.
In response, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti made a bold tactical switch, bringing on the experienced Luka Modric in place of defensive midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni. The 38-year-old Croatian was introduced to add creativity and drive to Madrid’s midfield, as they searched for a way to break down Mallorca’s resolute defense. Despite the changes, Mbappé and his teammates continued to struggle against the well-organized Mallorca backline. Greif remained a formidable barrier, producing a crucial save to deny Mbappé at his near post and then watching as Vinícius Júnior’s effort sailed over the bar.
As the match entered its final stages, Mallorca grew in confidence and even threatened to take all three points. Real Madrid’s frustration boiled over in stoppage time when defender Ferland Mendy was shown a red card for a high challenge on Muriqi, reducing Los Blancos to ten men. The dismissal capped off a frustrating evening for Ancelotti’s side, who were unable to find a way past a stubborn Mallorca defense.
For Real Madrid, the draw was a disappointing start to their title defense, especially given the high expectations surrounding the team following Mbappé’s arrival. Ancelotti will have plenty to ponder as he looks to integrate his new star into a system that can unlock the potential of Madrid’s formidable attacking trio of Mbappé, Vinícius, and Rodrygo.
Meanwhile, Jagoba Arrasate and his Mallorca side can take great pride in their performance, having held their own against one of the most formidable teams in Europe. The point earned from this match will be a significant morale boost for the squad as they look to build on last season’s impressive cup run and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in La Liga.
As the season progresses, both teams will undoubtedly be closely watched. Real Madrid, with their star power and rich history, remain favorites to challenge for the title, but this opening-day draw serves as a reminder that the road to glory is rarely straightforward, especially in a league as competitive as La Liga.
