Real Madrid Disappoints in Season Opener with Draw Against Mallorca

Real Madrid’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed his frustration with the team’s performance following their 1-1 draw against Mallorca in the opening game of the 2024-25 season. Ancelotti criticized the team’s attitude and collective commitment, pointing out the lack of balance in the second half of the game. Despite taking the lead with a goal from Rodrygo, Madrid failed to secure a victory, allowing Mallorca to equalize with a header from Vedat Muriqi.

Defensive Vulnerabilities

Ancelotti highlighted the team’s defensive weaknesses, emphasizing the need for better defending and improved balance on the pitch. The coach admitted that Madrid gave away counterattacks and struggled to deal with crosses from Mallorca. The inability to secure a late winning goal compounded the team’s disappointment, with defender Ferland Mendy receiving a red card in added time.

Madrid, who won LaLiga last season and recently signed star forward Kylian Mbappé, faced criticism for their lackluster performance against Mallorca. Ancelotti acknowledged the team’s shortcomings and emphasized the importance of learning from the game. Despite Mbappé’s active participation in the match, with four shots and two on target, Madrid failed to capitalize on their attacking opportunities.

Room for Improvement

Looking ahead, Ancelotti emphasized the need to focus on defensive solidity and collective effort. The coach mentioned the team’s openness and lack of concentration, calling for a more cohesive defensive unit. Ancelotti stressed that defensive issues stem from a lack of coordination between forwards, midfielders, and defenders, highlighting the need for a more unified approach.

After securing the UEFA Super Cup title with a victory over Atalanta, Madrid will face Real Valladolid in their next LaLiga fixture. Ancelotti’s team will then travel to Las Palmas for their following league match. As they aim to bounce back from the disappointing draw against Mallorca, Madrid will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities and improve their overall performance on the pitch.