Real Madrid's La Liga opener ended in frustration as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Mallorca, with Jude Bellingham taking a leading role both on and off the pitch.
Despite being only 21, Bellingham, who was named La Liga's Player of the Season last year, showed his leadership qualities in a tense moment following the match.
After the final whistle, Bellingham expressed his frustrations with teammates Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo.
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Bellingham calls for more from attackers
The young English midfielder, clearly unhappy with the amount of defensive work required when attacks were not finished, made his feelings known in the locker room.
"You three, we need to finish the attack, because the running back… is f*****g hard," Bellingham said in footage captured by Movistar. Mbappé echoed this sentiment, saying, "That’s what I’m saying. We have to finish with something." Bellingham continued, "Yeah, even if it gets tight, create a yard and [shoot]."
The game had started well for Los Blancos with Rodrygo giving them an early lead, but Mallorca equalized through Vedat Muriqi in the second half. The draw left Real Madrid with much to ponder, particularly concerning their balance on the pitch.
Bellingham: “You three, we need to finish the attack, because the running back… is f*cking hard.”
— TC (@totalcristiano) August 18, 2024
Mbappé: “That’s what I’m saying. We have to finish with something.”
Bellingham: “Yeah, even… create a yard and [shoot].” pic.twitter.com/Js6o6IcNMy
Manager Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the team's struggles in his post-match comments. "Balance is found when players think the same when they have to win the ball back. We have to all go together," he said. Ancelotti emphasized that this lack of cohesion was not just an issue for the forwards but for the entire team.
While the match against Mallorca was a setback, Bellingham and Mbappé had previously combined well in Real Madrid's UEFA Super Cup win over Atalanta, where Mbappé scored his first goal for the club. Reflecting on that success, Bellingham had noted, "Not every game will be like this. We'll have to suffer at times."
As the season progresses, Bellingham's leadership will be crucial in helping Real Madrid navigate the challenges ahead, particularly in ensuring that the team's attacking talent fulfils its potential.
