It was time for the new La Liga season, and after the dream European SuperCup win last week – Kylian Mbappé and company would be looking to add to their top start to the campaign.
The stars were out once more, with all of the usual candidates forming the starting line-up. Castilla player Jacobo Ramon made the bench amongst the lack of centre-backs available. He was joined by the likes of Endrick (still awaiting his debut) and Luka Modrić. Dani Carvajal wore the armband once more.
The first half was fun. Plenty of combinations between the front four and beyond – which is exactly how the opening goal was scored. Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Vinicíus Júnior and Rodrygo Goes were all involved before Rodrygo curled a shot past the keeper. All of this seemingly in one quick moment. Antonio Rüdiger of all people tried his luck from an outrageous distance, and wasn’t all too far off.
Mbappé then came close to scoring his first La Liga goal after Vinicíus found him with his left foot. One move in-particular made it seem like these guys were telepathic, with the back heels, quick passes and movement all world class inside the opposition box. The only chance for the home side fell when Thibaut Courtois spilt the ball into the path of an attacker, before making a decent recovery save to spare his blushes. Half time, a comfortable 1-0 lead for Real Madrid.
The second half carried over the same aggressive intensity that saw out the first. This was always going to benefit Mallorca more than Madrid – and within eight minutes the home side were level. A corner came in, headed home by Vedat Muriqi. It started to go a tad flat for Los Blancos, with a snapshot effort from Mbappé all they could muster up over the next ten minutes.
Luka Modrić came on and tested the keeper as Mallorca sat back for the draw. Mallorca looked like they might win it late on, but a great block followed by the attacker putting the rebound wide saved the point for Madrid. They then put a good chance over the bar as Los Blancos looked knackered and ready for the final whistle. Ferland Mendy was sent off for a rash challenge in added time, summing up the second 45. Full time, 1-1 and a share of the points.
