Kylian Mbappe's Real Madrid La Liga debut ended in frustration on Sunday, as the Spanish and European champions were held to a 1-1 draw by a determined Real Mallorca in their title defense opener. Mallorca goalkeeper Dominik Greif repeatedly denied the French star, while Rodrygo Goes gave Madrid an early lead. However, the hosts responded in the second half with a powerful header from Vedat Muriqi to secure the draw.
Madrid's star-studded side struggled to break down Mallorca, who came closer to winning the game in the final stages at Son Moix Stadium. Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy was sent off in stoppage time for a high challenge 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 told reporters.
"We conceded counterattacks. It was not a good game; it was quite clear that we need to defend better and have better balance on the pitch." Ancelotti selected the same starting lineup that 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, but the former Paris Saint-Germain forward could not celebrate his first match in his new homeland with another goal. Mallorca coach Jagoba Arrasate was facing his first match in charge of the Copa del Rey runners-up and could not have asked for a tougher challenge on paper than the reigning champions, bolstered by .