A Real Madrid defender issued an apology to RCD Mallorca’s star player Vedat Muriqi following an incident during the late stages of their La Liga match on Sunday night.
The situation unfolded during Real Madrid’s opening match of the 2024/25 La Liga season, which ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw at Son Moix.
The game, expected to be a straightforward victory for the reigning Spanish champions, turned out to be a challenging encounter that left fans and analysts questioning the team’s performance. Adding to Real Madrid’s troubles was a late red card issued to Ferland Mendy, which further dampened the team’s spirits.
Mendy’s dismissal occurred deep into injury time, following a reckless challenge on Mallorca’s frontman, Vedat Muriqi. The challenge was deemed severe enough by the referee to warrant an immediate red card, and Mendy was promptly sent off the field.
The French left-back’s tackle on Muriqi was widely considered unnecessary and dangerous, drawing criticism from various quarters.
According to a report from Cadena Ser on Monday, Mendy was fully aware of the gravity of his foul as soon as it happened. Recognizing the seriousness of his actions, Mendy did not hesitate to approach Muriqi immediately after the incident to offer a personal apology.
This gesture, while appreciated by some, did little to lessen the impact of the foul or the consequences that Real Madrid would face in the aftermath.
Real Madrid now awaits the decision from La Liga regarding the length of the suspension Mendy will serve as a result of his red card.
As a key player in Real Madrid’s defensive lineup, Mendy’s absence could pose significant challenges for the team in their upcoming matches. The team will have to navigate the next few games without their starting left-back, which could complicate their efforts to secure early points in the season.
This incident has not only put Mendy under scrutiny but also highlighted some of the defensive vulnerabilities that Real Madrid exhibited during the match.
The team’s performance was far from the high standards expected of them, and the red card only added to the sense of frustration and disappointment surrounding the game.
As Real Madrid moves forward, they will need to address both the individual and collective issues that emerged during this opening fixture to ensure a more successful campaign in the weeks ahead.
