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Kylian Mbappe was left frustrated on his Real Madrid La Liga debut on Sunday as a resilient Real Mallorca held the Spanish and European champions to a 1-1 draw in their title defence opener.

The French superstar was thwarted by Mallorca goalkeeper Dominik Greif and after Rodrygo Goes sent Madrid ahead early on the hosts levelled in the second half through Vedat Muriqi’s towering header.

Madrid’s star-studded side struggled to break down Mallorca, who came closer to winning the game in the final stages at Son Moix stadium. Los Blancos defender Ferland Mendy was sent off in stoppage time for a high challenge on Muriqi.

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Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti selected the same starting line-up which defeated Atalanta to win the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday, with Jude Bellingham in midfield behind the Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo attacking line.

Mallorca coach Jagoba Arrasate was facing his first match in charge of the Copa del Rey runners-up and could not have asked for a tougher challenge on paper than the reigning champions, bolstered by Mbappe’s arrival.

However, his team rose to the challenge and earned a creditable point. Madrid, who lost just once last season as they marched convincingly to the title, started quickly and took the lead after a slick combination between their Brazilian forwards.

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Vinicius rolled the ball backwards for Rodrygo to collect in the area and the winger bent a shot into the far corner, beyond the reach of Greif. The goalkeeper tipped away another Rodrygo effort and Mbappe sent an effort wide as Madrid stayed on top but could not expand upon their advantage.

Arrasate urged his players to stay in the game until half-time and they duly obliged, shutting down Los Blancos’ array of stars. Muriqi came close before the break for the hosts and tough-tackling defender Pablo Maffeo was booked for an ugly challenge on Vinicius.

Mallorca levelled early in the second half with burly Kosovo target man Muriqi powering a header home from Dani Rodriguez’s corner. Greif saved low from Mbappe at his near post and Vinicius lashed over as Ancelotti’s side sought to regain the lead.

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Ancelotti sent on veteran Luka Modric, who turns 39 in September, for defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, in search of more fluidity in attack against Mallorca’s bunkered-in defence.

Mbappe came close again but Greif denied him once more and Johan Mojica hacked the rebound to safety before Rodrygo could reach it. Mallorca stabilised and held their own in the final stages to leave Mbappe disappointed on his league debut.

Talking point – Real Madrid, a work in progress

No club is better at signing the biggest names than Real Madrid, this latest iteration yet to gel but still constructing beautiful moves and goals.

But in both matches this week they have shown that they can be got at. Their back four – though all good players – are, Antonio Rudiger aside, not necessarily among the world’s best. And though they will dominate possession in most matches, they are not going to keep the ball like a Pep Guardiola side, meaning they will always offer up chances.

Taking those chances can, of course, be harder against Madrid than anyone else. But both Atalanta and Mallorca have shown up vulnerabilities that will remain even when everyone is settled and fit.

Player of the match – Vedat Muriqi (Real Mallorca)

Mallorca put in a colossal team performance and Muriqi’s goal was the reward, but he also epitomised it in his aggression and desire.

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Player ratings

Real Mallorca: Greif 6, Maffeo 7, Valjent 6, Ballo 7, Mojica 7, Darder 6, Mascarell 7, Costa 7, Asano 6, Muriki 7, Rodriguez 6. Subs: Sanchez 6, Copete 6, Larin 7, Morlanes 6.

Real Madrid: Courtois 6, Carvajal 6, Militao 6, Rudiger 6, Mendy 6, Tchouameni 6, Valverde 6, Bellingham 6, Rodrygo 7, Mbappe 6, Vinicius 6. Subs: Modric 6, Guler 6, Diaz 6, Vazquez.

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