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Real Madrid were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw against Mallorca in La Liga in their season opener on Sunday, August 18. Despite being down to 10 men, they held on to prevent an upset to begin their title defense.
With all eyes on marquee signing Kylian Mbappe prior to kick-off, Real Madrid were expected to make a strong start to the game. They kept a comfortable 63% possession of the ball in the first period and began the game on the front foot. Vinicius Junior's presence of mind in the box with a backheel to release Rodrygo resulted in the game's first goal.
Rodrygo took a couple of touches and composed himself before bending a wonderful shot into the right top corner to make it 1-0 after just 13 minutes. From this point, Mallorca played cautiously but also created some good chances. Real Madrid, on the other hand, slowed down considerably, with the dry pitch playing a part in stalling their direct style of play.
Mallorca did well enough to keep themselves in the game despite being 1-0 down at the interval and it paid off eight minutes into the second period. Vedat Muriqi showed great strength and determination to fight off his markers to score the leveler with a thumping header from Dani Rodriguez's corner. With plenty time to go, the game was anybody's for the taking.
Despite keeping even more possession in the second period, Real Madrid inaccuracy in front of goal cost them. They managed just three shots on target in the second period, having made nine attempts. Besides being unable to find a winner, they also ran the risk of conceding at the other end but were spared their blushes.
However, to make matters worse, Ferland Mendy was sent off in the dying embers of the game for a violent tackle with his boots catching the opponent on the back of the calf. Real Madrid will look to improve for their next game against Real Valladolid on August 25. But for now, let's take a look at their player ratings from this game.
Real Madrid Player Ratings
Thibaut Courtois - 7.5/10
Courtois' sharp performance in goal came as a relief for Real Madrid as they struggled to get going in attack. He made four saves, with three of those off shots from inside the box. He was also calm on the ball and distributed it with 91 % accuracy.
Daniel Carvajal - 6.5/10
Carvajal had a rather uneventful game defensively as he lost his only duel but made three clearances. His performance offensively was no better as he was unable to provide a single meaningful pass or cross.
Eder Militao - 7/10
Militao had a decent game at the back as he won four duels, making five clearances and two tackles. The only downside was that he was dribbled past thrice but was lucky Mallorca could not make much of those moves.
Antonio Rudiger - 7.5/10
Rudiger put in a solid performance at the heart of Real Madrid's defence, winning six duels and making five clearances and one interception. He also attempted one shot that was off-target.
Ferland Mendy - 6/10
Mendy had a decent 90 minutes but lost his cool at the very end and received a straight red card for a dangerous tackle.
Federico Valverde - 7/10
Valverde played his typical aggresive game and was solid defensively, winning three of his four duels. He also played one key pass as he looked to get his team going in the final third.
Aurelien Tchouameni - 7/10
The Frenchman passed the ball with 98% accuracy and won six of his seven duels in a composed holding midfield performance.
Jude Bellingham - 7.5/10
Bellingham was unable to replicate his form in the final third from last season as he was unable to attempt a single shot. However, he won nine duels and played two key passes as he looked to get his team going.
Rodrygo - 8/10
Scorer of the only goal of this game for Real Madrid, the Brazilian put in a determined performance. He completed two dribbles, won five duels and also played one key pass.
Kylian Mbappe - 7.5/10
Mbappe looked too eager to score at times but did reasonably well in the final third, attempting four shots with two of those on target. He also showed his prowess with the ball, completing three dribbles past opponents.
Vinicius Junior - 7.5/10
Vinicius provided the assist for Real Madrid's goal and had a great game overall as he pulled the strings for his team. He played six key passes, won five duels and completed three dribbles as well.
Substitutes
Luka Modric - 7/10
Modric came on in the 63rd minute with the scores level at 1-1 and looked to take offensive initiative, attempting two shots with one of those testing the goalkeeper.
Lucas Vazquez - 6/10
Vazquez had a rather disappointing cameo as he lost possession of the ball twice from four touches. He also lost his only duel and failed to provide an outlet offensively either.
Arda Guler - 6.5/10
Guler won two duels and completed one dribble in a decent performance off the bench.
Brahim Diaz - 6.5/10
Diaz came on late in the game with little time left to make an impact and played five accurate passes.
