Star-Studded Real Madrid Stumbles in LaLiga 2024-25 Debut

In the 36th minute, at the Son Moix Stadium, the Real Madrid squad is in high spirits. Already leading by 1-0 away from home, they are eager to make their mark in their LaLiga debut for the 2024-25 season. The Spanish champions, boasting one of the most formidable attacking lineups in recent history, are ready to demonstrate their capability.

A clever backheel pass from Kylian Mbappé found Jude Bellingham, who in turn laid it off for Vinícius Júnior. The ball is then played to Rodrygo via another backheel from the Brazilian, then outside to Federico Valverde. Bellingham was next to get the ball, using a disguised pass to put Vinícius behind the defence. The next play, courtesy of Vinícius, a scooped cross intended for Mbappé was thwarted by Mallorca goalkeeper Dominik Greif. The move encapsulated Real Madrid’s potential: immense talent, unfettered creativity, and star-studded coordination, yet missing a final piece, the goal.

Fast forward to twenty minutes later, Mallorca found their equalizer. Despite lacking the finesse of the Madrid side, Dani Rodríguez's corner met with Vedat Muriqi's driving header, proving more consequential. The score was settled at 1-1, resulting in a disappointing start to LaLiga for the reigning Spanish champions.

Muriqi, expressing his ecstasy, remarked how incredible it felt to score against Madrid. However, Carlo Ancelotti, Madrid's coach, had reservations. Ancelotti criticised the team for showing a "lack of balance," questioned their attitude, and highlighted their lack of defensive commitment. Worth mentioning is that despite these flaws, Madrid's coach displayed conviction in the team during their 2-0 UEFA Super Cup win against Atalanta, sticking to the same starting eleven. However, the opening day draw serves as a reality check for the team's balance, indicating that being packed with stars isn't always sufficient.