Real Madrid’s highly anticipated La Liga opener did not go as planned, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Mallorca. Kylian Mbappe had a disappointing debut, with limited support from his star-studded teammates. Despite significant possession and early promise, Los Blancos struggled to convert opportunities into goals.

In the initial stages, Madrid appeared promising, with Mbappe and Vinicius Jr causing issues for Mallorca’s defense. Rodrygo scored the opener with a fine effort, curling the ball into the top corner. However, a mistake by Thibaut Courtois almost gifted Mallorca an equalizer before half-time, but Antonio Rudiger made a crucial clearance. After the break, Vedat Muriqi leveled the score with a header from a corner.

The remainder of the match saw Madrid’s new attacking trio fail to capitalize on their chances. The team struggled to break down a disciplined Mallorca defense, resulting in only a few half-chances. Vinicius was visibly frustrated, Jude Bellingham watched from the bench, and Ferland Mendy was dismissed late in the game for a reckless challenge.

Player Ratings:

Goalkeeper & Defence:

• Thibaut Courtois (5/10): Had a shaky moment that nearly led to a goal and didn’t provide much reassurance overall.
• Dani Carvajal (6/10): Quick and combative on the right flank but was limited in attack.
• Eder Militao (6/10): Displayed some inconsistency with a few loose touches and passes, still recovering from an ACL injury.
• Antonio Rudiger (8/10): Dominant in defense, winning numerous headers and duels.
• Ferland Mendy (5/10): Defensively solid but received a late red card that tarnished his performance.

Midfield:

• Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10): Efficient in passing but did not advance the play significantly; substituted for the more offensive Modric after an hour.
• Federico Valverde (5/10): Below his usual standards, with inaccuracies in passing and missed tackles. Needs to improve, especially with Kroos’s departure.
• Jude Bellingham (7/10): Effective in connecting with the attack and making an impact from deeper positions.

Attack:

• Rodrygo (7/10): Scored a superb goal and was the most threatening of the attacking trio. His performance suggests he’s not just a backup option.

• Kylian Mbappe (6/10): Made intriguing runs but lacked clear opportunities to make an impact.
• Vinicius Jr (6/10): Created several chances and assisted Rodrygo’s goal but was not effective enough in finishing.

Subs & Manager:

• Luka Modric (6/10): Provided some creative moments but was unable to deliver the decisive pass.
• Arda Guler (N/A): Did not have sufficient time to influence the game.
• Lucas Vazquez (N/A): Played the last five minutes of the match.
• Brahim Diaz (N/A): Had minimal involvement.

Carlo Ancelotti (5/10): Opted for his strongest lineup but failed to make impactful adjustments as the team dropped points. The lack of creativity and inability to capitalize on chances will require serious consideration in the coming weeks.