Real Madrid’s opening fixture of the 2024/25 La Liga season ended in a 1-1 draw against Mallorca. Despite taking an early lead through Rodrygo, Los Blancos were unable to secure a win as Vedat Muriqi’s header equalized for the hosts. The match saw standout performances from both teams, with Real Madrid’s star-studded lineup, including Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr., unable to break the deadlock in the second half.
Early Dominance and Missed Opportunities
Real Madrid started the match with high intensity, showcasing their attacking prowess. Rodrygo’s brilliant strike in the 13th minute gave the visitors an early lead. The Brazilian forward received a back-heel pass from Vinicius Jr. and curled the ball into the far corner, leaving the Mallorca goalkeeper with no chance. Despite their dominance, Madrid failed to capitalize on several opportunities to extend their lead.
Mallorca, however, showed resilience and created chances of their own. Samu Costa’s curling effort forced Thibaut Courtois into a crucial save early in the match. The hosts continued to press, but their attempts were thwarted by Madrid’s solid defense. The first half ended with Madrid holding a slender lead, but the game was far from over.
Mallorca’s Equalizer and Madrid’s Response
The second half saw Mallorca come out with renewed vigor. Within ten minutes of the restart, Daniel Rodriguez’s corner was met by Vedat Muriqi, who powered a header past Courtois to level the score. The goal was a result of some lax defending by Madrid, allowing Muriqi to rise unchallenged and find the back of the net.
Madrid responded by pushing forward in search of a winner. Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo both had chances to restore the lead, but were denied by Mallorca’s resolute defense. Luka Modric’s introduction added creativity to Madrid’s midfield, but the visitors were unable to find the decisive goal. Mallorca’s defense held firm, and the match ended in a hard-fought draw.
Standout Performances and Tactical Insights
Thibaut Courtois was instrumental in keeping Madrid in the game, making several key saves. His composure under pressure was vital in preventing Mallorca from taking the lead. Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo were lively in attack, creating numerous chances but lacking the finishing touch.
Mallorca’s defensive organization was commendable, with Johan Mojica and Antonio Raillo putting in solid performances. The hosts’ ability to absorb pressure and counter-attack effectively posed problems for Madrid throughout the match. Despite the draw, Real Madrid’s performance highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in defense and finishing.
