Mallorca and Real Madrid share spoils in La Liga opener :
Real Madrid kicked off their La Liga 2024-25 campaign with a closely examined match against Mallorca at the Mallorca Son Moix Stadium on August 19, 2024. The game began at 01:02, with both teams aiming to secure an early advantage. Mallorca had an early corner at 01:03, but Courtois’s anticipation prevented any danger.
The first goal of the match came at 01:15, when Rodrygo scored for Real Madrid, putting them in the lead. The goal was set up by Vinicius with a backheel pass, and Rodrygo finished with an incredible shot to the far corner. Despite Mallorca’s efforts, including a counter-attack at 01:21 and Rudiger’s long-range shot at 01:24, they were unable to equalize before the half-time whistle.
The second half started with Real Madrid looking to expand their lead, but it was Mallorca who found the equalizer through Muriqi’s powerful header at 13:48. The goal came from a corner, and Real Madrid’s defense was caught off guard. The home crowd’s energy was palpable as Mallorca continued to press, with Muriqi almost scoring again at 13:49.
Despite Real Madrid’s efforts to regain the lead, the match ended with both teams level at 1-1, giving Real Madrid a point in their title defense opener. The draw highlighted the competitive nature of La Liga and the challenges Real Madrid would face in their title defense.
In the build-up to the match, Real Madrid had won the UEFA Super Cup, with goals from Valverde and Mbappe, who had newly joined the club. This victory set a positive tone for the season, but the draw against Mallorca served as a reminder that consistent performance would be key to their success.
The match was a testament to Mallorca’s defensive resilience and their capability to counter Real Madrid’s attacking prowess. The game was tied 0-0 at 01:03 and 01:05, with Mallorca’s aggression at 01:08 and 01:10 being frustrated by Courtois. Mbappe’s involvement at 01:10 ended with a penalty appeal, while Vinicius’s attack at 01:11 was stopped by Mallorca’s defense.
The match’s momentum diverted at 01:15 with Rodrygo’s goal, and despite Mallorca’s counter-attack at 01:21 and Rudiger’s shot at 01:24, they could not find the net. Mbappe missed a scoring opportunity at 01:27, hitting the side-netting. The game was halted at 13:03 for a cooling break, with play resuming at 13:04.
Real Madrid continued to monopolize possession, with nearly a goal at 13:09, but Mallorca’s defense cleared the ball off the line. Muriqi’s attempt at 13:13 was saved by Militao and Courtois, while Mojica’s cross at 13:16 was headed out by Rudiger.
The passion of the match was evident with Maffeo’s yellow card at 13:21 for a challenge on Vinicius Junior, and manager Arrasate’s next yellow card for protesting. The match was tied 0-0 at 01:03, 01:05, 01:08, and 01:10, with Real Madrid taking the lead at 01:15 and maintaining it until half-time at 13:22.
The 2nd half began at 13:37, Real Madrid trying to pressure Mallorca’s defense at 13:40, but it was Mallorca who scored the equalizer at 13:48. The energy from the crowd reached its peak. as Mallorca continued to attack, with Muriqi’s second header at 13:49 but being saved by Courtois.
The match ended with both teams level at 1-1, giving Real Madrid at this point in their title defense opener. This result underscored the competitive topography of La Liga and it required Real Madrid to maintain their form and ensure victories in their title defense.
Preview
Real Madrid, the defending champions of La Liga, commenced their 2024-25 campaign against Mallorca, the team they had demonstrated resilience by conceding one goal per match in their previous played. Despite that, Real Madrid entered the game on a splendid note, having won the UEFA Super Cup with goals.
From Valverde and Mbappe, who had scored his first goal for club. The game was expected to be competitive, with Mallorc’s defensive capability and counter-attacking ability to lead a challenge to Real Madrid’s title defense. The match was essential for Real Madrid to set the tone for the season and hook an early victory, despite that it was also a reminder of the competitive nature of La Liga, where even the strongest teams cannot take any competitor lightly.