Real Madrid encountered an unexpected challenge in their 2024/25 La Liga opener against Mallorca, managing only a 1-1 draw. Despite initial expectations of a straightforward victory for the Spanish giants, the match’s outcome left fans and critics alike puzzled and concerned.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti pointed to defensive instability as the primary reason for the disappointing result. However, a closer examination of the match reveals three critical factors that contributed to Real Madrid’s underwhelming performance and inability to secure all three points.
One of the most significant issues in Real Madrid’s performance against Mallorca was the absence of their midfield maestro, Toni Kroos. Known for his ability to control the tempo of a game, Kroos’s presence in the midfield is often the glue that holds the team together.
His absence was glaringly evident in the match against Mallorca, where Real Madrid struggled to maintain order and rhythm. Without Kroos, the team lacked the fluidity and structure that he usually provides, leading to a disjointed and chaotic performance.
Kroos is more than just a central midfielder; he is the player who brings calmness and stability to the entire team. His skill in dictating play, distributing the ball with precision, and linking up with the forwards is crucial to Real Madrid’s success. Against Mallorca, however, the midfield appeared disorganized and lacked the necessary control.
The forwards found it difficult to connect with the midfield, and there was a noticeable disconnect between the lines. This disjointedness became particularly apparent when Mallorca equalized, exposing Real Madrid’s vulnerability and the crucial role Kroos plays in their overall strategy.
Real Madrid’s forward line is undoubtedly filled with immense talent, featuring stars like Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo. These players are capable of turning a match around with moments of individual brilliance. However, in the game against Mallorca, this reliance on individual talent proved to be a double-edged sword that ultimately hindered the team’s performance.
After Mallorca scored their equalizer, Real Madrid’s forwards seemed to shift towards an individualistic approach, each trying to single-handedly change the course of the game.
Vinicius Jr., in particular, was often seen attempting to take on the entire Mallorca defense by himself, which led to poor decision-making and missed opportunities. While his confidence in his ability to take on defenders is commendable, it resulted in a series of personal actions that did little to unsettle Mallorca’s defense.
The same issue was evident with Mbappe and Rodrygo, who also struggled to make significant impacts when the game became more challenging.
Their attempts at individual heroics led to a breakdown in team cohesion, leaving Real Madrid’s full-backs, Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy, exposed. This lack of support from the wingers and midfield highlighted the dangers of relying too heavily on individual brilliance rather than a collective team effort.
