Jude Bellingham’s leaked footage outlines Real Madrid struggles against Mallorca

Real Madrid did not enjoy the desired start to their 2024/25 La Liga campaign. The defending champions were held back by a resilient Mallorca side for a 1-1 draw at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix. Madrid fans were hoping for a positive beginning and debut for Kylian Mbappe, but the performance levels have caused some concerns amongst the players as well.

A leaked footage during the half-time interval includes Englishman, Jude Bellingham telling his teammates, Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Kylian Mbappe, “You three, we need to finish the attack”. Mbappe was in total sync with Bellingham’s views about the need to be clinical in front of goal. Mallorca were happy to defend in a low block to counter the Real Madrid threat and looked dangerous on every turnover, causing havoc on the counterattacks.

For all of the undeniable prowess of Real Madrid‘s frontline, the danger was rather limited in the opening game of La Liga. Recklessness and lack of focus highlighted the showing of Los Blancos. The front three were also visibly off their pace in front of goal, which led to Jude Bellingham‘s comments. The European champions have a big task on their hands now to understand and address the issue to get their title defence up and running.

Carlo Ancelotti not pleased with Real Madrid’s performance

The Italian manager was understandably disappointed with his side’s outing against Mallorca. “We could have done much better. It wasn’t a good game, we need more balance. We have to concentrate more”, were the words of a distraught Ancelotti during the post-match press conference. Mallorca was able to constantly take advantage of spaces behind Madrid’s backline which led to Thibaut Courtois being called into action several times.”

The 65-year-old coach reaffirmed the need for a balance between his side’s attack and defence. The midfield looked particularly vulnerable with huge gaps from the forward line. Carlo Ancelotti will hope that his team takes its learnings from the draw and implement the solutions quickly as they did last season following a 3-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid.