Real Madrid faced a surprising challenge in their 2024/25 La Liga opener against Mallorca, where they could only secure a 1-1 draw.
Despite the game appearing to be a straightforward victory for the Spanish giants, the result left fans and critics questioning what went wrong.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti attributed the draw primarily to defensive instability, but a closer look reveals three key reasons that contributed to this underwhelming start to the season.
Let’s delve into these factors to understand why Real Madrid struggled to claim all three points.
The absence of Toni Kroos: A missing anchor
One of the most glaring issues in Real Madrid’s performance against Mallorca was the absence of Toni Kroos. Known for his ability to control the tempo of the game, Kroos’s absence was keenly felt in the midfield.
Without him, Real Madrid struggled to maintain order and rhythm, which led to a disjointed performance.
Kroos is not just any midfielder; he is a player who brings calmness and structure to the team. His ability to dictate play, distribute the ball accurately, and find the forwards in crucial positions is something that was sorely missed.
Against Mallorca, Madrid’s midfield lacked control. The forwards struggled to connect with the midfield, and there was a noticeable gap between the two lines.
When Mallorca equalised, it became evident that Real Madrid was missing the presence of someone who could steady the ship.
The team lacked the fluidity that Kroos usually provides, and this disjointedness allowed Mallorca to exploit spaces and create opportunities. His absence was a significant factor in why Real Madrid couldn’t find a way to regain control of the match after Mallorca’s equaliser.
Overreliance on individual brilliance: A double-edged sword
Real Madrid boast a forward line filled with exceptional talent, including players like Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo.
These players have the ability to change the course of a match with a moment of individual brilliance. However, in this game, the reliance on individual talent proved to be a double-edged sword.
After Mallorca scored their equaliser, Real Madrid’s forwards seemed to fall into the trap of trying to solve the game on their own. Vinicius, in particular, attempted to take on the Mallorca defence repeatedly but often made poor decisions, leading to lost opportunities.
While his confidence in his 1v1 ability is commendable, it resulted in a series of personal actions that did little to trouble Mallorca’s defence.
The same can be said for Mbappe and Rodrygo, who also struggled to make an impact when the game became more challenging. Their attempts at individual heroics meant that the team’s overall cohesion suffered.
This individualistic approach left Real Madrid’s full-backs, Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy, exposed, as they received little support from the wingers and the midfield.
The lack of collective effort in attack and defence highlighted the dangers of relying too heavily on individual brilliance.
Questionable substitutions: Timing is everything
Ancelotti, known for his tactical acumen, found himself under scrutiny for his handling of substitutions during the match.
While he expressed frustration over the team’s performance and lack of defensive commitment, many fans and analysts questioned his decisions regarding substitutions.
After Mallorca equalised, it was clear that Real Madrid needed fresh legs and new ideas to regain control of the match.
Ancelotti’s first substitution came in the 63rd minute when he brought on Luka Modric for Aurelien Tchouameni. While this change did lead to some improvement, many were puzzled by the delay in making further substitutions.
It wasn’t until the 87th minute that Ancelotti decided to introduce Brahim Diaz, Arda Guler, and Lucas Vazquez simultaneously. By then, there was hardly any time left for these players to make a meaningful impact on the game.
The timing of these substitutions raises questions as to whether Ancelotti missed an opportunity to turn the tide earlier in the match.
The late changes appeared to be more of a desperate attempt rather than a calculated tactical decision, which ultimately did little to change the outcome.