Real Madrid, the Spanish champions, secured a 3-0 victory against Real Valladolid in La Liga on Sunday, with Kylian Mbappe making his debut at the Santiago Bernabeu but failing to score. The French forward, playing at home for the first time in a Madrid jersey, faced significant challenges from Valladolid's defensive line. Madrid's Fede Valverde initiated the scoring with a deflected low free-kick in the 50th minute, followed by late goals from substitutes Brahim Diaz and debutant Endrick. Despite creating minimal opportunities in the first half, Madrid managed to secure their initial win of the season after a draw with Real Mallorca. The team, still struggling with offensive fluidity, remains two points behind Barcelona, who defeated Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.
Valverde commented on the match, stating, "It was very hard, especially at the beginning, we didn't perform as the coach envisioned, lacking aggression in our attacks. We were too passive and showed significant improvement in the second half." He added, "I'm pleased to contribute goals to the team, but the critical aspect is the defensive effort, for which I feel proud, and I must engage more in these areas." Ancelotti adjusted the lineup by introducing Arda Guler for the injured Jude Bellingham, who is expected to be sidelined for a month due to a calf injury. Real Valladolid, the only team in the league to maintain a clean sheet in their opening match, aimed to frustrate the champions from the outset.
Madrid controlled possession without posing a significant threat in the summer heat of the Spanish capital. However, they emerged more aggressive in the second half and quickly took the lead. Valverde's powerful low free-kick, aided by a deflection, broke the deadlock. Madrid missed an opportunity to double their lead when Rodrygo's pass to Vinicius went astray. Mbappe missed a golden chance to score when Vinicius passed to him, but the Estonian goalkeeper Karl Hein made a good save. The France captain had another chance on the counter-attack but shot wide before being substituted by 18-year-old Brazilian forward Endrick.
Mbappe joined Madrid this summer after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain ended, following years of speculation. He scored in his debut during a UEFA Super Cup victory. In La Liga, Mbappe has yet to score in his first two matches as Ancelotti works on optimizing the team's setup to maximize the attacking potential of his stars. Diaz sealed Madrid's victory with a precise lobbed finish after receiving a long pass from defender Eder Militao in the 88th minute. In stoppage time, the Spanish playmaker assisted Endrick, who scored near the post, celebrating his first appearance for the club in style.
