Real Madrid encountered an unexpected challenge in their 2024/25 La Liga opener against Mallorca, managing only a 1-1 draw.
Although the Spanish giants seemed to be on course to win the game, the result left fans and critics wondering what went wrong.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti blamed the draw on defensive instability. Still, a closer examination uncovers three key factors that led to this disappointing start to the season.
Let’s explore these factors to understand why Real Madrid struggled to secure all three points.
The absence of Toni Kroos: A crucial missing link
One of the most noticeable problems in Real Madrid’s performance against Mallorca was the absence of Toni Kroos. Renowned for his skill in controlling the game’s pace, Kroos’s lack of presence was sharply felt in the midfield.
Real Madrid found it difficult to keep order and rhythm without him, resulting in a disjointed performance.
Kroos is more than just a midfielder; he provides calmness and structure to the team. His skill in controlling the game, making precise passes, and finding forwards in key moments was notably absent.
Against Mallorca, Madrid’s midfield lacked control. The forwards had difficulty linking up with the midfield, creating a significant gap between the two lines.
When Mallorca equalized, it became clear that Real Madrid lacked someone to stabilize the situation.
The team should have noticed the fluidity that Kroos typically offers, and this disjointedness allowed Mallorca to exploit gaps and create chances. His absence was a significant reason Real Madrid struggled to regain control of the match following Mallorca’s equalizer.
Overdependence on individual brilliance: A double-edged sword
Real Madrid’s forward line is brimming with exceptional talent, including stars like Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo.
These players can alter the outcome of a match with a single moment of brilliance. However, relying on individual talent was a double-edged sword in this game.
After Mallorca equalized, Real Madrid’s forwards appeared to fall into the habit of trying to resolve the game on their own. Vinicius, in particular, frequently took on the Mallorca defense but often made poor decisions, leading to missed chances.
While his confidence in his 1v1 skills is admirable, it led to a series of individual efforts that failed to effectively challenge Mallorca’s defense.
The same applies to Mbappe and Rodrygo, who also found it challenging to make an impact as the game grew tougher. Their focus on individual brilliance disrupted the team’s overall cohesion.
This individualistic approach left Real Madrid’s full-backs, Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy, vulnerable, as they received minimal support from the wingers and midfield.
The absence of collective effort in attack and defense underscored the risks of relying too heavily on individual brilliance.
Questionable substitutions: Timing matters
Ancelotti, known for his tactical skill, faced criticism for handling substitutions during the match.
Although he voiced frustration with the team’s performance and defensive effort, many fans and analysts questioned his substitution choices.
After Mallorca equalized, it became evident that Real Madrid needed fresh energy and new strategies to regain game control.
Ancelotti’s first substitution occurred in the 63rd minute, with Luka Modric replacing Aurelien Tchouameni. Although this move brought some improvement, many were puzzled by the delay in making additional changes.
Ancelotti waited until the 87th minute to bring on Brahim Diaz, Arda Guler, and Lucas Vazquez all at once. By then, they barely had enough time to impact the game significantly.
The timing of these substitutions raises doubts about whether Ancelotti missed a chance to change the game earlier.
The late substitutions seemed more like desperate measures than strategic decisions and ultimately did little to alter the outcome.
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