Real Madrid begin title defence with away fixture at RCD Mallorca in La Liga 2024-2025 opening round
Real Madrid open the defence of their La Liga title on Sunday 18 August at 20:30 (GMT+1) with an away match against RCD Mallorca at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix. It is an immediate showpiece on the first matchday of the La Liga 2024-2025 season: the reigning champions, bolstered by their latest signing Kylian Mbappe, up against a more ambitious Mallorca side under new head coach Jagoba Arrasate.
Mallorca ready for their baptism of fire under Jagoba Arrasate
RCD Mallorca embark on their fourth consecutive season in the Spanish Primera División and are thrown in at the deep end straight away. After finishing fifteenth last season, they face none other than the title holders in the very first round. The club's board opted for a fresh direction in May 2024 and parted ways with coach Javier Aguirre. The 65-year-old Mexican had steered the club clear of relegation and guided them to their first cup final since 2003, but that showpiece was lost to Athletic Club on penalties. Jagoba Arrasate was appointed as his successor, arriving from Osasuna with the remit of pushing the club towards a higher final standing. Pre-season proved promising: Mallorca won six of their seven friendly matches, with only a draw against Bologna (1-1) to show for the remaining game. In the transfer market, targeted reinforcements were made. Left-back Johan Mojica was signed from Villarreal for €2 million, while forward Takuma Asano (VfL Bochum) and defender Mateu Morey (Borussia Dortmund) were brought in on free transfers. The most significant departure was goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic, who left for the Saudi Pro League for €8 million. Against Real Madrid, Arrasate is expected to set up in a 4-2-3-1 system with Vedat Muriqi leading the line.
Mbappe makes a flawless debut as Real Madrid chase historic double
Real Madrid travel to the Balearic Islands in confident mood. Last week they claimed the UEFA Super Cup by beating Atalanta 2-0, securing a record sixth European Super Cup in the club's history. It was none other than Kylian Mbappe who, on his competitive debut in Real Madrid white, scored the second goal to seal the victory — also his first European honour at club level. Brazilian forward Endrick also bolstered the squad, following a transfer from Palmeiras for €48.5 million. The overriding ambition is clear: for the first time since the 1989-1990 season, Real Madrid want to win back-to-back La Liga titles. Last season the club dominated the competition with 95 points, a full ten points ahead of arch-rivals FC Barcelona. La Liga Player of the Year Jude Bellingham is eager to follow up his stunning debut campaign in style, while Vinícius Júnior — currently the favourite for the 2024 Ballon d'Or — aims to maintain his peak form. One painful loss is the farewell of Toni Kroos, who has retired. Coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the challenge Mallorca traditionally poses: 'It has always been difficult for us against Mallorca, and we will have to fight to win the match.' Ancelotti is expected to opt for a 4-3-3 with Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo and Mbappe as the attacking trio.
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Source: Sportmonks
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