Real Madrid kicks off their La Liga title defense with a challenging trip to Mallorca, the first match of the 2024-25 season. The game also marks the highly anticipated La Liga debut of Kylian Mbappe, who joined the Spanish giants from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
Carlo Ancelotti's side is aiming to build on their dominant 2023-24 campaign, where they secured both the La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles. Adding Mbappe to their already star-studded squad, Real Madrid will face immense pressure to replicate or even surpass their previous success.
Mallorca, on the other hand, is coming off a season where they narrowly escaped relegation. A positive result against a powerhouse like Real Madrid would be a significant boost to their confidence and a strong statement of intent for the new season.
Key Players and Tactics
Real Madrid's midfield, without the veteran Toni Kroos, will be a focal point as the team attempts to establish chemistry between the likes of Tchouameni, Valverde, and Bellingham. The addition of Mbappe brings a new dimension to the team's attack, forcing opposition defenses to adapt to his pace and goal-scoring prowess.
Mallorca, under new manager Jagoba Arrasate, will look to exploit any defensive vulnerabilities in the Real Madrid lineup. The Spanish manager is known for his tactical flexibility and his ability to motivate his players.
Where to Watch and Stream
The match is set to be a captivating encounter for football fans worldwide. Here's how you can watch or stream the game in different countries:
- USA: Fubo (free trial), ESPN+, ESPN Deportes
- UK: ITVX, Premier Sports Player, LaLigaTV, ITV 4, Premier Sports 1
- Canada: TSN+, TSN1
- Australia: beIN Sports Connect, beIN SPORTS 3
- India: JioTV
- Mexico: Blue To Go Video Everywhere, Sky HD
Pre-Match Insights
Ahead of the match, Ancelotti expressed his satisfaction with Mbappe's integration into the team, highlighting his work ethic and positive impact on the squad. Arrasate, acknowledging the challenge of facing Real Madrid, emphasized the importance of playing with personality and trying to disrupt the Spanish giants' rhythm.
Probable Lineups
Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Tchouameni, Bellingham, Valverde; Vinicius Jr, Mbappe, Rodrygo.
Mallorca: Leo Román, Mateu Jaume, A. Raíllo, Copete, J. Mujica, Samu, Morlandes, S. Darder, Asano, Larín, Abdón.
Matchday 1 Preview
Real Madrid enters the match with the momentum of a Super Cup victory against Atalanta. Mallorca, meanwhile, will be looking to kickstart their season with a strong performance. This matchup promises to be an entertaining and exciting clash, with the pressure on Real Madrid to deliver a convincing performance as they embark on their title defense.
The Big Question
Will Mbappe's La Liga debut be a success? Can Mallorca pull off a surprise result against Real Madrid? Stay tuned for what is sure to be an intense and captivating encounter.
