Los Blancos’ high-powered offence failed to achieve the anticipated levels of success, as Carlo Ancelotti’s team recorded losses during the opening weekend.

Real Madrid were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw with Mallorca to begin the season, and Kylian Mbappe endured a fruitless La Liga debut. The big names around him did not provide much assistance.

In contrast to the anticipated statement performance, Los Blancos’ star-studded front three failed to capitalise on the opportunity when it was most critical, resulting in 90 minutes of fleeting moments of apprehension.

Madrid appeared to be in a lively mood during the initial minutes, as Mbappe and Vinicius Jr caused issues for a Mallorca defence that was already overextended. Rodrygo ultimately scored the opening goal by cutting inside his opponent and rifling an effort into the top corner.

Before halftime, the host team was on the brink of equalising when Vedat Muriqi capitalised on a Thibaut Courtois error. However, Antonio Rudiger, who was superb throughout the match, misdirected the ball. After the interval, Muriqi made amends by sneaking in at the back post from a corner and heading past a helpless Courtois.

That should have given Madrid’s new-look front three the opportunity to showcase their skills in a manner that was appropriate. Rather, they found it difficult to navigate the remaining minutes, generating only half-chances and failing to penetrate a well-organised Mallorcan block. Vinicius was slouched on the sidelines by the conclusion of the match, while Jude Bellingham, who was frustrated, observed from the bench. In the final seconds, Ferland Mendy was sent off for a horrific challenge.

In contrast, Mbappe will be required to confront a Madrid debut in which he was unable to make an impact.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Thibaut Courtois (5/10):

A shaky moment almost gifted Mallorca a goal, and he didn’t offer too much security otherwise. An off-night.

Dani Carvajal (6/10):

Quick and scrappy on the right, but didn’t offer too much going forward.

Eder Militao (6/10):

A bit shaky at times, with the odd loose touch or poor pass marring his game. Still short of his best post-ACL injury.

Antonio Rudiger (8/10):

An imperious force at the back. Jumped for all of his headers and won countless duels.

Ferland Mendy (5/10):

Shielded well – Mallorca had pretty much nothing down his wing. A late red card marred his evening.

Midfield

Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):

Very tidy in his passing, even if he didn’t advance the ball forward much. Sacrificed for the more attacking Modric after an hour.

Federico Valverde (5/10):

A rare poor showing from the Uruguayan, who wasn’t as clean as usual in his passing, and missed a few tackles. Will need to be better with Kroos gone.

Jude Bellingham (7/10):

Made an impact in deeper areas and connected with the front three effectively. He’s always involved – no matter where he starts.

Attack

Rodrygo (7/10):

Took his goal wonderfully, and was probably the most dangerous of the front three. Who says he’s the odd man out?

Kylian Mbappe (6/10):

Made all kinds of interesting runs, but never really got the clear chance – or half-chance – he needed to make things happen.

Vinicius Jr (6/10):

Created four chances, and assisted Rodrygo’s goal, but wasn’t effective enough when it came to doing it himself.

Subs & Manager

Luka Modric (6/10):

Floated around, found some nice angles, but never the killer pass.

Arda Guler (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Lucas Vazquez (N/A):

On for the final five minutes.

Brahim Diaz (N/A):

Barely had a kick.

Carlo Ancelotti (5/10):

Picked his strongest XI – as expected – but didn’t really change anything as points slipped away. Madrid didn’t create enough chances, and he will have some serious pondering to do in the coming weeks to get the best out of his attackers.