by Speaking to reporters following his team’s 1-1 draw with Mallorca on Sunday—Kylian Mbappe’s La Liga debut—was Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti. Although the Italian coach was pleased with his team’s efforts, he felt that they lacked balance.
In the opening game of their championship defense, Kylian Mbappe’s Real Madrid La Liga debut was marred by frustration as a resolute Real Mallorca side held the European champions to a 1-1 draw.
Reporters were told by Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, “We went ahead; we had chances to score the second, and then in the second half we lacked balance.” We abandoned our counteroffensive, the game wasn’t fantastic, and it was evident from the result that we need to improve our balance and defense on the field.
The starting lineup that Ancelotti chose to defeat Atalanta and win the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday included Jude Bellingham in midfield behind the attacking line of Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo.
Mbappe scored in that triumph, but the former forward for Paris Saint-Germain was unable to add another goal to commemorate his first game in his new country. The speed at which his crew was working did not impress Ancelotti.
The Italian coach went on, “We have to perform better and with more attitude.” We can learn a lot from this game because it makes it obvious where we made mistakes. In terms of defense, Mallorca performed far better than we did.”
