Madrid’s star-studded side struggled to break down Mallorca, who came closer to winning the game in the final stages at Son Moix Stadium. French superstar Kylian Mbappe was thwarted by Mallorca goalkeeper Dominik Greif, and after Rodrygo Goes put Madrid ahead early on, the hosts equalized in the second half through Vedat Muriqi’s towering header.
Madrid defender Ferland Mendy was sent off in stoppage time for a high challenge on Muriqi.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti fielded the same starting line-up that defeated Atalanta to win the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday, featuring Jude Bellingham in midfield behind the attacking trio of Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo.
Mallorca coach Jagoba Arrasate faced his first match in charge of the Copa del Rey runners-up against the reigning champions bolstered by Mbappe’s arrival. However, his team rose to the challenge and earned a commendable point.
Madrid, who lost just once last season on their way to the title, started quickly and took the lead after a slick combination between their Brazilian forwards. Vinicius rolled the ball back for Rodrygo, who bent a shot into the far corner beyond Greif’s reach.
Greif tipped away another Rodrygo effort, and Mbappe sent a shot wide as Madrid maintained their dominance but couldn’t expand their advantage. Arrasate urged his players to stay in the game until half-time, and they did, shutting down Los Blancos’ stars.
Muriqi came close before the break for the hosts, and tough-tackling defender Pablo Maffeo was booked for a rough challenge on Vinicius.
Mallorca leveled early in the second half with Muriqi powering a header home from Dani Rodriguez’s corner. Greif saved low from Mbappe at his near post, and Vinicius lashed over as Ancelotti’s side sought to regain the lead.
Ancelotti brought on veteran Luka Modric, turning 39 in September, for defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, hoping for more fluidity in attack against Mallorca’s solid defense. Mbappe came close again, but Greif denied him, and Johan Mojica cleared the rebound before Rodrygo could reach it.
Mallorca stabilized and held their ground in the final stages, leaving Mbappe disappointed on his league debut.
