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Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466
Kylian Mbappe (C) of Real Madrid takes a shot in a La Liga game against Mallorca at the Son Moix Stadium in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, August 18, 2024. /CFP
Defending La Liga champions Real Madrid could only manage a 1-1 draw at Mallorca in Kylian Mbappe's first Spanish league game on Sunday.
In his second match with Real after debuting midweek, Mbappe failed to break through. The French superstar had scored in his new club's 2-0 win against Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti started with the same squad that beat Atalanta, with Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior and Mbappe in attack.
"They change position from time to time," Ancelotti said of Vinicius and Mbappe. "Sometimes Mbappe plays more centrally and sometimes one of the two has to occupy this flank, without a particular plan. It depends on how they feel about it."
It was Rodrygo who put Real ahead against Mallorca 13 minutes into the match, but the hosts equalized on Vedat Muriqi's goal in the 53rd.
"We got off to a good start, taking the lead, and then had a chance to get the second goal," Ancelotti said. "We didn't find the balance in the second half. We could have lost, as there was no balance at the back. It wasn't a good game. We need to defend better. We're a very attacking team, but defensive balance is a fundamental factor."
Madrid defender Ferland Mendy was sent off deep into second-half stoppage time for a hard foul on Muriqi.
"I don't want to make excuses for anything, but we just need to do better and with a better attitude," Ancelotti added. "We can learn a lot from this match. It's quite clear where our problems could come from."
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal, who is from the island of Mallorca, was among those watching the game at the Son Moix Stadium.
Mallorca's players provided a guard of honor for the Super Cup winners, lining up to applaud Real Madrid's players as they entered the field before kickoff.