Real Madrid faced off against Mallorca in a match that had fans buzzing with excitement. Kylian Mbappé, making his La Liga debut, was expected to shine, but the night turned out differently. With Vinicius Jr. also struggling, the match ended in a disappointing draw. Let’s break down the player ratings to understand what happened on that pitch.
Kylian Mbappé: A Star in the Shadows
There was a lot of hype around Kylian Mbappé stepping onto the field in La Liga for the first time. Sadly, this wasn’t the blockbuster debut everyone anticipated. He showed glimpses of his potential but lacked the spark that makes him a world-class player. Mbappé finished the match with a rating of 6/10. His control and passing were off, leaving fans wondering if he was still adjusting to the speed and intensity of Spanish football.
Vinicius Jr.: The Weight of Expectations
Vinicius Jr. has often been the heartbeat of Madrid’s attack, but against Mallorca, he seemed to be running in circles. His dribbling wasn’t the magic we’re used to seeing, and he struggled to make an impact. The expectations were high, and he fell short, earning a 5.5/10. It’s tough to create magic when the game plan goes sideways, but he needs to find his rhythm quickly.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois: The Last Line of Defense
Despite the team’s struggles, Courtois stepped up when it mattered. He made several crucial saves, keeping Real Madrid afloat amidst the chaos. His performance earned him a solid 7/10. If it weren’t for him, the scoreline could’ve been much worse.
Defense: A Mixed Bag
The defense had its hands full with Mallorca’s attacks, and it showed. While some moments were solid, lapses in concentration led to dangerous situations. Each defender had their moments, but the unit as a whole struggled to maintain cohesion throughout. A rating of 6/10 marks their performance—a reminder that communication is key on the field.
Midfield Battle: Lost in Transition
The midfield blend of creativity and control struggled against Mallorca. There were too many turnovers, and they couldn’t seem to link up effectively with the forwards. This resulted in a lack of chances created, drastically impacting the game. Each midfielder landed around 5.5/10, reflecting the erratic flow and inability to dominate.
Room for Reflection
The match against Mallorca was a tough pill to swallow for Real Madrid and their fans. With big names like Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. not hitting their stride, there’s a lot to think about moving forward. Sometimes even the brightest stars can dim under pressure, but this team has the talent to bounce back. It’ll be fascinating to see how they respond in the upcoming matches.