Kylian Mbappe’s much-anticipated La Liga debut for Real Madrid ended in frustration on Sunday, as the reigning Spanish and European champions were held to a 1-1 draw by a determined Real Mallorca in their first league game of the season.The French forward was denied multiple times by Mallorca’s goalkeeper, Dominik Greif. Despite an early lead courtesy of Rodrygo Goes, Real Madrid saw their advantage erased when Vedat Muriqi powered in a commanding header for the hosts in the second half.Even with their star-studded line-up, Madrid struggled to dismantle Mallorca’s disciplined defense, and the home side even threatened to snatch all three points late on at the Son Moix stadium.Ferland Mendy’s evening ended on a sour note when the Madrid defender received a red card during stoppage time for a reckless high challenge on Muriqi.“We had the lead, we had chances to extend it, but in the second half we lost our balance,” admitted Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti after the match.”We gave up too many counter-attacks, and it was obvious that we need to improve our defending and our overall balance on the field.”Ancelotti opted for the same starting eleven that had triumphed over Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup earlier in the week, with Jude Bellingham anchoring the midfield behind an attacking trio of Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo.Although Mbappe had found the back of the net in the Super Cup, the former Paris Saint-Germain star was unable to mark his La Liga debut with a goal.Ancelotti wasn’t pleased with the team’s overall work ethic.“We have to do better, with more determination,” said the Italian coach.“This match should serve as a learning experience for us. It clearly highlighted where our problems lie. Mallorca played better defensively than we did.”Mallorca’s coach Jagoba Arrasate faced a daunting challenge in his debut, coming up against the defending champions, now strengthened by Mbappe’s arrival. Nevertheless, his team rose to the occasion and walked away with a well-earned point.Lewa saves Flick from embarrassment on his La Liga debutMadrid, who dominated the league last season with only one defeat, started the match with intent, quickly taking the lead thanks to a slick exchange between their Brazilian forwards.Vinicius laid the ball off for Rodrygo, who expertly curled a shot into the far corner, leaving Greif with no chance.Madrid dominated the first half but failed to capitalize on their advantage. Greif made crucial saves, including another stop on Rodrygo, while Mbappe fired wide as the visitors looked to extend their lead.Arrasate urged his players to stay focused, and they managed to contain Madrid’s star-studded attack until the break.Muriqi nearly scored before half-time, while Mallorca’s gritty defender Pablo Maffeo earned a booking for a fierce challenge on Vinicius.Early in the second half, Mallorca leveled the game when the imposing striker Muriqi headed home from a well-placed Dani Rodriguez corner.Greif once again frustrated Mbappe, denying him at the near post, while Vinicius fired a shot over the bar as Real Madrid pressed to restore their lead.In an attempt to add more creativity, Ancelotti substituted Luka Modric, soon to be 39, for defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. However, despite their efforts, Madrid couldn’t break through Mallorca’s resolute defense.Mbappe came close again but was once more thwarted by Greif, and Johan Mojica cleared the rebound before Rodrygo could pounce.Mallorca held firm in the closing stages, leaving Mbappe and Madrid to rue missed opportunities on his La Liga debut.Mendy’s frustration culminated in a reckless foul on Muriqi, earning him a straight red card and leaving Real Madrid to finish the match with ten men.“I’m exhausted, but it was worth it,” Muriqi said after the game. “It’s so important to get a point against a team like Madrid, maybe the best team in the world. And I have to admit, scoring against them feels absolutely beautiful.”LA LIGA – MATCHDAY 1Thursday Ath.Bilbao – Getafe 1-1 (1-0)/Sancet 27 – Uche 64/Betis – Girona 1-1 (1-0)/Bartra 6 – Misehouy 72/Friday Celta – Alaves 2-1 (0-1)/Swedberg 66, Aspas 84 – Garcia 17/Las Palmas – Sevilla 2-2 (1-1)/Nianzou 42 og, Ramirez 71 – Suarez 25 og, Sanchez 61/Saturday Osasuna – Leganes 1-1 (0-1)/Soriano 79 og – Cruz 22/Valencia – Barcelona 1-2 (1-1)/Duro 44 – Lewandowski, 45+5, 49 pen/Sunday Sociedad – Rayo Vallecano 1-2 (0-0)/Zubimendi 90+8 – de Frutos 67, Camello 84/Mallorca – Real Madrid 1-1 (0-1)/Muriqi 53 – Rodrygo 13/Monday 20.00: (2.40) Valladolid (3.25) Espanyol (3.30)22.30: (3.25) Villareal (3.45) Atl.Madrid (2.20)***odds are subject to change***
