Defending Spanish league champions, Real Madrid, struggled to a 1-1 draw against Mallorca in a match that saw star signing Kylian Mbappe make his league debut. Despite an electrifying performance in midweek, where Mbappe scored in Madrid’s 2-0 UEFA Super Cup victory over Atalanta, the French forward couldn’t replicate his magic on Sunday.
The second game for Mbappe with Madrid was highly anticipated by the fans and pundits alike. After a promising start, the superstar was unable to find the back of the net, leaving many to wonder if the tactics employed by coach Carlo Ancelotti were the culprit.
Ancelotti fielded the same attacking trio that proved successful against Atalanta, with Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, and Mbappe leading the charge. “They change position from time to time,” Ancelotti said when asked about the fluid positioning of Vinicius and Mbappe. “Sometimes Mbappe plays more centrally, and at others, one of the two has to occupy this flank. It doesn’t follow a particular plan; it depends on how they feel about it.”
Real Madrid took the lead 13 minutes into the match with a goal from Rodrygo, who capitalized on a defensive lapse by Mallorca. However, the hosts were quick to respond and equalized early in the second half, courtesy of Vedat Muriqi, who managed to evade the Madrid defense to level the score in the 53rd minute.
Following the equalizer, Real had multiple chances to regain the lead but couldn’t capitalize. “We got off to a good start, taking the lead and then had a chance to get the second goal,” lamented Ancelotti in his post-match comments. Despite the squad’s efforts, Madrid struggled to break down the organized and resolute defense of Mallorca.
Several factors might have contributed to Mbappe’s underwhelming league debut. Positioning sometimes seemed off, and the seamless chemistry that was evident in the Super Cup encounter was visibly lacking. Whether Mbappe was feeling the pressure of expectations or merely adapting to La Liga’s different style of play remains to be seen.
The nature of this draw has stirred various reactions from fans and analysts. Some supporters remain optimistic, considering it is only the beginning of the season and that time will allow the squad to gel further.
. Others, however, have expressed concerns over the team’s coordination and tactical flexibility.
Madrid’s midfield, often the engine room of their attacking movements, appeared somewhat disjointed. Luka Modric and Toni Kroos controlled possession well but lacked that incisive final ball that could pierce through Mallorca’s rigid setup. Federico Valverde was industrious as ever but was unable to link effectively with the forwards.
Defensively, Madrid also showed signs of vulnerability. The absence of a robust defensive plan was evident in Muriqi’s goal, where basic marking and tracking errors gave the hosts an easy opportunity. Barely 53 minutes in, and already facing an opposition equalizer, the defense looked uncharacteristically shaky.
In the backdrop of this mixed result, Kylian Mbappe’s versatility in positioning, as noted by Ancelotti, sparked curiosity and analysis. “Changing positions frequently” may sound strategic, but it also points to a lack of a fixed, definitive role. This fluidity can be a double-edged sword, providing unpredictability while sometimes causing confusion.
Rodrygo’s goal was symptomatic of what Madrid can achieve when they capitalize on their chances. Yet, it also highlighted the inconsistency in converting opportunities into goal-scoring moments, an area that needs urgent attention.
Real Madrid’s bench strength was also put to the test when Ancelotti made several changes in the latter half, bringing on fresh legs to break the deadlock. The substitutes, however, couldn’t make the expected impact, raising questions about the depth and effectiveness of the squad.
In summary, while Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Mallorca wasn’t the fairytale debut Kylian Mbappe might have hoped for, it’s essential to remember that football is a marathon, not a sprint. With time, the squad is expected to fine-tune their chemistry and rectify the inadequacies on display. For now, the result serves as a reality check and a reminder of the competitiveness of the Spanish league.
