🇪🇸 Madrid's superstar attack stunned as Mallorca spoil season opener | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s new and improved attack was left stunned on Sunday as Mallorca fought back for a 1-1 draw to kick off the 2024/25 LaLiga season.

Scorers: Muriqi 53; Rodrygo 13′. Red: Mendy 90+7′

All eyes were on Kylian Mbappé as the Frenchman made his LaLiga debut but it was a night to forget for the reigning champions as a determined Mallorca side earned a rightful point.

The visitors opened the scoring when their star front four combined in tight spaces. Jude Bellingham set up Mbappé and while the No. 9 lost the ball at his feet, it found Vinicius Junior and the Brazilian’s backheel set up Rodrygo who curled home into the top corner.

Mbappé had a chance to double the lead from point-blank range but missed the open opportunity which came back to haunt Los Blancos as the organised hosts proved well up for the challenge.

Mallorca mirrored Madrid’s intent from the first half and scored the equaliser almost immediately after the restart. Dani Rodríguez sent a corner kick toward the back post and a leaping Vedat Muriqi beat Antonio Rüdiger in the air for 1-1.

The visiting superstars continued to threaten for a late winner but despite all the money on the pitch, they failed to create anything worthwhile. It suggests manager Carlo Ancelotti still needs to figure out how to get his front line operating at full speed with so much talent.

The result will feel like a victory for Mallorca (who finished 15th last season) after holding the reigning champions to a draw at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix on Matchday 1.

In truth, three late efforts went whiskers wide and they could have held on to all three points. To make matters worse for Los Blancos, Ferland Mendy was shown a straight red in the dying moments.

Looking at the table, Real Madrid sit 12th and Mallorca eighth. It is the first time under Ancelotti where Los Blancos did not win their LaLiga opener.