Real Madrid's LaLiga season opener against Mallorca ended in a 1-1 draw, marking a disappointing start despite the high expectations set by the debut of star player Kylian Mbappé. Coach Carlo Ancelotti criticized the team's performance, highlighting a lack of balance and defensive cohesion which they need to address moving forward.
Real Madrid, the reigning LaLiga champions, commenced their title defense with an underwhelming 1-1 draw against Mallorca. The match, which was also the league debut for Kylian Mbappé with Madrid, saw the team struggle to capitalize on their lead, ultimately conceding an equalizer in the second half. This result puts early pressure on the team, which has been significantly strengthened in the offseason.
Real Madrid took an early lead with a goal from Rodrygo, assisted by Vinicius Junior, but their performance declined as the game progressed. Mallorca's Vedat Muriqi equalized in the second half, and despite having star players like Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, Madrid failed to regain their advantage. The match ended with Madrid down to ten men after Ferland Mendy received a red card in stoppage time. This draw contrasts sharply with their recent victory in the UEFA Super Cup, highlighting inconsistencies in their play.
Post-match, Carlo Ancelotti did not mince words about his team's performance, emphasizing the need for better concentration and defensive coordination. He remarked on the team's lack of balance and pointed out that the defensive lapses were a collective failure rather than individual errors. Ancelotti's frustration was evident as he stressed the importance of learning from this match to improve in future games, indicating potential changes in the team's approach or lineup.
Amidst the on-field challenges, Real Madrid is also expanding its brand off the field. Before the match, club president Florentino Pérez and the players attended the inauguration of 'The Corner by Real Madrid' at Madrid-Barajas airport. This new venture includes a restaurant and a merchandise store, enhancing the club's presence and engagement with fans globally.
Real Madrid's season opener has laid bare the challenges the team faces in integrating high-profile new signings into a balanced and effective unit. While the draw is a setback, it provides crucial insights for Ancelotti and his squad as they aim to defend their LaLiga title. The team's ability to address these early issues will be pivotal in their pursuit of success both domestically and in Europe.
"We have to concentrate more, as we usually do. It is neither a physical nor a mental problem." - Carlo Ancelotti