The much-anticipated Real Madrid season opener saw a new-look team take to the field, with all eyes on the arrival of Kylian Mbappe and his potential partnership with the club's other star players. While the first half proved somewhat lacklustre, the second half witnessed the true potential of this exciting new era.
Carlo Ancelotti, the Italian manager, opted for a bold line-up, including both Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo, who played a pivotal role in Real's Champions League triumph last season. Mbappe, meanwhile, was tasked with a more central role than his previous stints at PSG and France.
The opening stages saw Real struggling to find their rhythm, with midfield spaces left exposed. While substitutions seemed the obvious answer, Ancelotti instead adopted a patient approach, allowing his players to settle into their roles.
The second half saw a marked improvement, with Mbappe showing glimpses of his trademark brilliance. The Frenchman demonstrated his pace and agility, cutting past defenders before narrowly missing the target with a shot that flew over the bar.
However, it was Bellingham and Vinicius Jr, the club's stars from last season, who ultimately unlocked the opposition's defence. After 59 minutes, Vinicius Jr showcased his creative talents, delivering a pinpoint pass to the ever-reliable Federico Valverde, who opened the scoring. The second goal was another meticulously crafted move, with Bellingham supplying a deft pass for Mbappe to finish with aplomb.
Bellingham, himself a key figure in the new era at Real Madrid, was quick to sing his new teammate's praises. "He's just one of those players, isn't he?" he said of Mbappe. "He is brilliant â he is so sharp, has so much technical quality and he is a great team-mate as well."
He went on to describe the team's performance: "We have a new-look team and it seemed to just click tonight. Sometimes it takes a bit of time, the first half we were still adjusting, and the second half it all came together and we were brilliant."
The first match of the new season has undoubtedly provided a glimpse of the thrilling possibilities that this new Real Madrid squad offers. Mbappe's arrival and his instant connection with his teammates, particularly Bellingham, suggests a bright future for the club.
