Despite extending their unbeaten streak in all competitions to 28 matches, Real Madrid still could not start the 2024-2025 LaLiga season with a victory when they were held to a 1-1 draw by RCD Mallorca at Mallorca San Moix Stadium early in the morning. August 19 (Vietnam time).
Before this match, Real Madrid had prepared with the European Super Cup title . They put in a great second-half performance to beat Atalanta, with superstar Kylian Mbappe scoring his first goal for his new club.
It is no surprise that the French striker was included in the starting lineup against Mallorca, when Carlo Ancelotti and his team wanted to start their journey to defend the La Liga title with the best possible start.
However, their opponents - last season's Copa Del Rey finalists - had a strong pre-season and surged from the start. Samu Costa posed a threat, with two shots, one out and one forcing Thibaut Courtois into an excellent save.
However, Real Madrid were rarely confused, and it was they who broke the deadlock before the 15th minute. Vinicius Junior made a smart backheel to let Rodrygo do the rest, opening the score.
Minutes later, Mbappe shot into the edge of the net, while Courtois's mistake almost cost Los Blancos. Takuma Asano's angled shot was not strong, but the Belgian goalkeeper pushed the ball. Vedat Muriqi appeared and finished but Courtois corrected himself.
But at the beginning of the second half, Muriqi did not give Courtois a chance with a header from Dani Rodriguez's corner in the 53rd minute to equalize the score.
Using Muriqi's aerial ability seemed the best option for Mallorca and the Kosovo international once again troubled Courtois with a header just minutes later. This time, Courtois stopped it in time.
On the other end of the field, Mbappe had 2 chances, Luka Modric could also help Real Madrid return with 3 points, but goalkeeper Dominik Greif saved them both.
After Antonio Sanchez had another chance for Mallorca, in stoppage time, Real Madrid's Ferland Mendy received a red card for fouling Muriqi.
Drawing 1-1, Real Madrid clearly could not be satisfied with the results of the opening day.
