Real Madrid's opening match of the 2024/25 La Liga season did not go as planned, with the team being held to a 1-1 draw against Mallorca.
Despite taking an early lead through Rodrygo, Los Blancos were unable to secure a win, leaving manager Carlo Ancelotti concerned about the team’s performance.
Real Madrid entered the match with high expectations, especially with the much-anticipated debut of Kylian Mbappe.
However, the evening ended in disappointment as Vedat Muriqi's second-half header equalized for Mallorca, and Ferland Mendy’s late red card added to the frustration.
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Ancelotti expresses concern over team balance
Ancelotti did not mince words in his post-match comments, focusing on what he saw as a critical issue.
"We lacked balance. I am not happy with the draw because we could have done better," Ancelotti stated. "We need more attitude. We can learn a lot from this game because it seems clear where we could have a problem."
Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid as a free agent, had a quiet debut and struggled to make an impact. The match raised questions about how he fits into a squad already brimming with attacking talent.
Last season, Jude Bellingham played as a false nine, a role that has now shifted with Mbappe's arrival. The change saw Bellingham return to midfield, a position more natural for him but requiring adjustment.
Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo, who enjoyed creative freedom last season, appeared constrained in their roles during the match, adding to Ancelotti's concerns. The manager now faces a tough decision on how to best utilize his attacking players without compromising the team’s overall balance.
As Real Madrid prepares for their next match against Real Valladolid, Ancelotti will need to address these issues quickly. The draw against Mallorca has highlighted potential challenges in integrating Mbappe into the team, and the upcoming games will be crucial in finding the right tactical approach.
