Kylian Mbappe was left pissed off 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 of their title defence opener.
The French famous person was thwarted by Mallorca goalkeeper Dominik Greif and after Rodrygo Goes despatched Madrid forward early on the hosts levelled within the second half via Vedat Muriqi’s towering header.
Madrid’s star-studded aspect struggled to interrupt down Mallorca, who got here nearer to successful the sport within the ultimate levels at Son Moix stadium.
Los Blancos defender Ferland Mendy was despatched off in stoppage time for a excessive problem 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 advised 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.”
Ancelotti chosen the identical beginning 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.
Mbappe scored in that victory however the former Paris Saint-Germain ahead was unable to have fun his first match in his new homeland with one other aim.
Mallorca coach Jagoba Arrasate was dealing with his first match in control of the Copa del Rey runners-up and couldn’t have requested for a more durable problem on paper than the reigning champions, bolstered by Mbappe’s arrival.
However, his staff rose to the problem and earned a creditable level.
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Madrid, who misplaced simply as soon as final season as they marched convincingly to the title, began shortly and took the lead after a slick mixture between their Brazilian forwards.
Vinicius rolled the ball backwards for Rodrygo to gather within the space and the winger bent a shot into the far nook, past the attain of Greif.
The goalkeeper tipped away one other Rodrygo effort and Mbappe despatched an effort broad as Madrid stayed on high however couldn’t increase upon their benefit.
Arrasate urged his gamers to remain within the sport till half-time they usually duly obliged, shutting down Los Blancos’ array of stars.
– ‘So beautiful’ –
Muriqi got here shut earlier than the break for the hosts and tough-tackling defender Pablo Maffeo was booked for an unsightly problem on Vinicius.
Mallorca levelled early within the second half with burly Kosovo goal man Muriqi powering a header residence from Dani Rodriguez’s nook.
Greif saved low from Mbappe at his close to put up and Vinicius lashed over as Ancelotti’s aspect sought to regain the lead.
Ancelotti despatched on veteran Luka Modric, who turns 39 in September, for defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, looking for extra fluidity in assault towards Mallorca’s bunkered-in defence.
Mbappe got here shut once more however Greif denied him as soon as extra and Johan Mojica hacked the rebound to security earlier than Rodrygo may attain it.
Mallorca stabilised and held their very own within the ultimate levels to go away Mbappe disillusioned on his league debut.
Madrid’s frustration confirmed in Mendy’s wild hack at Muriqi which earned him a straight crimson 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,” stated Muriqi.
“I have to be honest, scoring against Madrid is so beautiful.”
AFP