Kylian Mbappe's much-anticipated La Liga debut for Real Madrid didn't go as planned, as Los Blancos were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw against Mallorca.
After years of speculation and intense anticipation, Kylian Mbappe finally made his move from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid this summer.

The excitement surrounding his arrival reached fever pitch, especially after the French forward scored in his first appearance for the club during the Super Cup final.
In that match, Mbappe helped Real Madrid secure a 2-0 victory over Atalanta, delivering their first trophy of the season. Real Madrid's La Liga opener initially seemed to be following the script.
Rodrygo's early goal put the team in front, setting the stage for what many expected to be a comfortable victory. However, the momentum shifted in the second half when Mallorca's Vedat Muriqi found the back of the net, leveling the score and ensuring that the visitors left with a share of the points.
Mbappe, who was expected to be the hero of the night, had moments of brilliance but ultimately left the pitch disappointed. Despite showing flashes of his immense talent, the French star couldn't inspire Real Madrid to victory in his first league match.
And it didn't take long for fans and analysts to begin scrutinizing the World Cup winner's performance. Just one game into his La Liga career, the 25-year-old forward is now already facing criticism.
A key moment that has drawn attention is Mbappe's role in Mallorca's equalizer. A clip circulating online from ESPN+'s enhanced coverage-featuring a dedicated "Mbappé Cam" that tracked his every move-shows the forward failing to track his man during the buildup to Muriqi's goal.
The footage reveals that Mbappe lost his marker, allowing the Kosovan striker to score the crucial header. In addition to his defensive lapse, some fans have raised concerns about Mbappe's positioning during the match.
Bruh I was literally opening the mbappe cam and ?? pic.twitter.com/vys99LPnxS
— dj (@chapunaco) August 18, 2024
Some fans noted that both Mbappe and Vinícius Junior tended to drift towards the left side of the attack, often leaving the central forward position unoccupied. This tactical issue may have contributed to Real Madrid's inability to break down Mallorca's defense effectively.
While these concerns are valid, it's important to remember that Mbappe is still adjusting to his new surroundings and teammates. The World Cup winner has only played two competitive games for Real Madrid, and it's far too early to pass judgment on his long-term impact at the club.