After Real Madrid's 1-1 draw against Real Mallorca in their La Liga opener, star players Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo decided to unwind by heading to Marbella for a lavish break. The trio opted to charter a 50-meter superyacht, reportedly costing €15,000 per day, offering them a chance to relax and recover. The yacht, complete with swimming pools and jacuzzis, provided the perfect high-end retreat after the disappointing start to their season.
A Closer Look at the Match
Real Madrid’s debut in this season’s La Liga was underwhelming, especially for the newly acquired Kylian Mbappe. Despite the anticipation surrounding his transfer, Mbappe struggled to make a significant impact and failed to score. Under the management of Carlo Ancelotti, the team couldn’t secure a win against Mallorca at Son Moix, with their performance lacking the usual cohesion and balance, particularly in their attack.
Mbappe’s integration into the squad has been heavily scrutinized, with fans expecting more from the French forward after his blockbuster move. Alongside Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, Mbappe was part of an attacking trio on the left side, which failed to break down Mallorca’s defense effectively. The lack of fluidity in their play highlighted the challenges facing the team as they adapt to new dynamics.
Tactical Challenges
Carlo Ancelotti didn’t shy away from acknowledging the issues within his team’s structure. He pointed out the tactical overlap, with all three attackers—Mbappe, Vinicius, and Rodrygo—favoring the left side. This preference led to congestion and a lack of space, which hampered their ability to fully utilize their attacking skills. Ancelotti's comments emphasize the need for tactical adjustments to better integrate his star players and create a more balanced and effective offensive strategy.
Team’s Response to the Draw
In light of the disappointing result, Ancelotti granted his players a two-day break to regroup both mentally and physically. The luxury yacht retreat was part of this break, providing the players with a chance to escape the immediate pressures and focus on recovery. This downtime is seen as crucial in helping the squad reset before their next challenge.
### What’s Next for Real Madrid?
Real Madrid is set to face Real Valladolid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday. Ancelotti hopes that the short break and recovery period will allow his players to return with renewed focus and energy. The team will need to address the tactical issues observed in their opener and find a way to fully capitalize on the attacking talent of Mbappe, Vinicius, and Rodrygo.
### Did You Know?
This draw marked the first time in six seasons under Ancelotti that Real Madrid has failed to win their opening La Liga match. The result highlights the complexities of integrating new players and adapting to evolving tactical demands, setting the stage for what could be a challenging season ahead.
### Final Thoughts
As Real Madrid prepares for the upcoming fixtures, all eyes will be on how they resolve their tactical dilemmas and improve their performance. While the luxury retreat may offer some temporary relief, the real test will come on the pitch, where the team must adapt and prove their resilience in the face of early challenges.