The new Madrid Galácticos have been assembled to win all the trophies this season, but at the start of La Liga, little Mallorca managed to stumble Carlo Ancelotti’s expensive team (1-1). ’Troubles in paradise’ were compounded by an injury to Englishman Jude Bellingham, who will be out for at least a month. It seems that Toni Kroos’s retirement has created problems for the Italian coach in midfield. Time is also needed for Kylian Mbappé to find his rhythm and gel with the Brazilian attacking duo of Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior. The first chance to bounce back comes today (18:00) at their home ground, the Santiago Bernabéu, against newly-promoted Real Valladolid. All eyes will be on Mbappé as he makes his home debut. His signature had been eagerly awaited at the Bernabéu for years, and after countless attempts, Florentino Pérez finally convinced him to join the champion Royals last January.Fresh cut for Kylian Mbappé ahead of his Santiago Bernabéu debut. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/rKpnMzeugG— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) August 25, 2024 The most spectacular start in a Real Madrid shirt was by Brazilian Ronaldo. He arrived at Real in June 2002 but made his Bernabéu debut on October 6, scoring with his first two shots, sending the fans of the world’s biggest club into ecstasy. It was the best premiere of a superstar in Real’s modern history. The other Ronaldo, Cristiano, had a memorable debut on August 29, 2009, against Deportivo La Coruña, scoring a penalty in a 3-2 victory. His mother and three brothers were in the stands. That match marked the beginning of a new era for Real, with many trophies and records to come for the legendary club. After the game, Cristiano dined with atletic legend Usain Bolt.Jude criticising his co-stars: You three – finish the attack! It’s really hard to run backLuis Figo was Florentino Pérez’s first blockbuster signing as Real Madrid president. The Portuguese star scored in a win against Valencia. Zinedine Zidane had an excellent debut, while Gareth Bale, who was bought from Tottenham for 100 million, started his Real Madrid career with a loss to Atlético Madrid. The most glamorous of all the Galácticos was David Beckham, who scored just three minutes into his Bernabéu debut on August 30, 2003, in a 2-1 win against Real Betis. Last season, Englishman Jude Bellingham also scored on his debut and immediately became the subject of a fan chant, a cover of The Beatles’ hit “Hey Jude.”Ancelotti: We must help Mbappe adapt, the transfer window is closed for usNow, it’s Kylian Mbappé’s turn, considered by many to be the best footballer in the world today. He made his debut for Madrid with a goal in the UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta (2-0) in Warsaw. However, he was not in the best form last week in Palma de Mallorca. With Bellingham injured at the start of the season, Ancelotti will bring in veteran Luka Modrić to form a midfield trio with Frenchman Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde. In place of Ferland Mendy, who is suspended after receiving a red card against Mallorca, Fran García will start. We might also see the debut of young Endrick, the major signing from Palmeiras, who is still adjusting to European football. Young Turkish talent Arda Güler is also eagerly awaiting his chance. David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga remain sidelined due to injuries.LA LIGA MATCHDAY 2FridayCelta – Valencia 3-1 (2-1)/Minqueza 23, Aspas 28, Beltran 60 – Lopez 14/Sevilla- Villareal 1-2 (1-1)/Lukebakio 45 – Danjuma 2, Perez 90+5/SaturdayOsasuna – Mallorca 1-0 (0-0)/Garcia Ru. 55/Barcelona – Ath.Bilbao 2-1 (1-1)/Yamal 24, Lewandowski 75 – Sancet 42 pen/Espanyol – Sociedad 0-1 (0-0)/Kubo 80/Getafe- Rayo Vallecano 0-0Sunday18:00: (1.18) Real Madrid (7.25) Valladolid (15.0)20:00: (2.35) Leganes (3.10) Las Palmas (3.30)20:15: (2.55) Alaves (3.20) Betis (3.15)22:30: (1.63) Atl.Madrid (3.90) Girona (5.50)***odds are subject to change***
