Kylian Mbappe much-anticipated journey with Real Madrid kicked off with a challenging debut against Mallorca in La Liga. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving fans and critics alike wondering what’s next for the French star. 

While his first outing didn’t quite hit the mark, the buzz around his upcoming home debut at the Santiago Bernabeu is electric. Adding to the excitement is the fact that Real Valladolid, the opponents for this match, are owned by none other than Brazilian legend Ronaldo, a former Madrid star himself. 

As Kylian Mbappe steps onto the Bernabeu turf for the first time, the stakes are high, and fans are eagerly waiting to see how he’ll perform.

A Tough Start for Mbappe

Mbappe’s debut for Real Madrid didn’t exactly go according to plan. The game against Mallorca was a tough one, with Real Madrid struggling to secure a win. Coach Carlo Ancelotti pointed out that the team lacked balance, which was a key factor in their inability to clinch the victory. 

Despite the draw, Mbappe’s presence on the pitch was undeniable, and expectations are still sky-high as he prepares to make his home debut.

Ancelotti, who is known for his tactical brilliance, expressed his concerns about the team’s defensive setup. He fielded a lineup featuring Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, and Jude Bellingham in both the UEFA Super Cup win over Atalanta and the La Liga draw against Mallorca. 

However, after both games, he emphasized the need for better teamwork and defensive discipline. “We needed to do better, with more attitude; you can learn from these games—it’s clear where the problem is,” Ancelotti said. 

Now, the focus is on getting the team to gel better and perform more cohesively in the upcoming match.

A Historic Moment at the Bernabeu

Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid this summer was the culmination of years of speculation and anticipation. After much waiting, the French forward finally realized his dream of playing for Los Blancos. 

His arrival in Madrid was met with great enthusiasm, with over 80,000 fans turning up at the Bernabeu to welcome him at his official presentation. Now, Mbappe is eager to repay the fans’ faith by delivering a standout performance in his first home game.

The upcoming match against Real Valladolid is especially significant because the team is owned by Ronaldo, one of Madrid’s former stars. Ronaldo, who played for Real Madrid during the ‘Galactico’ era, is considered one of the greatest strikers in football history. 

However, despite his incredible talent, Ronaldo’s time at Madrid saw him win just one La Liga title and no Champions League trophies. Kylian Mbappe, who is on a similar path to football greatness, will be looking to achieve much more during his time at the club.

Ancelotti’s Balancing Act

One of the key challenges facing Ancelotti is figuring out how to best utilize the attacking trio of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius, and Rodrygo. All three players prefer to play on the left side of the pitch, which can create issues with spacing and width on the right flank. 

Additionally, by starting all three forwards, Bellingham, who shone in an advanced role last season, is pushed back into a more defensive midfield position. This adjustment could limit his effectiveness in contributing to the attack.

Ancelotti acknowledged these challenges, noting that balance in the team comes from all players being on the same page, particularly in defense. “It’s a team problem that they didn’t realize was crucial in this game. Mallorca played a great game defensively, better than us,” he explained. 

The coach’s task now is to find the right balance to make the most of his star-studded lineup.

Real Valladolid’s Game Plan

While Real Valladolid might not seem like a major threat on paper, the team is coming off a solid 1-0 win against Espanyol in their first game of the season. Paulo Pezzolano, Valladolid’s coach, knows the challenge his team faces against Madrid but remains hopeful. 

“We’re going to face the best team in the world, with one of the best coaches in history and the best attack in the world today,” Pezzolano said. He believes his team can compete and possibly surprise Madrid, even at the Bernabeu.

For Madrid, the focus will be on refining their attacking strategy and strengthening their defense. As the team continues to adjust to the arrival of Kylian Mbappe and other key players, each game offers a chance to improve. 

Ancelotti knows that for Madrid to be successful this season, they must find the right balance and ensure their star players are in sync.

Looking Ahead

As Kylian Mbappe gets ready for his Bernabeu debut, fans are optimistic that this game will mark the beginning of a successful era for Real Madrid. The forward’s ability to score goals and create opportunities will be crucial for the team’s ambitions in La Liga and the Champions League. 

With the home crowd cheering him on, Mbappe is eager to make a strong impression in his first appearance at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid’s season is just getting started, and with Kylian Mbappe leading the attack, the possibilities seem endless. While the team has faced some early challenges, there’s a strong belief that once everything clicks, Madrid will be unstoppable. 

The match against Real Valladolid could be the turning point that sets them on the path to glory.