Rodrygo: Brazilian Star Bags Real Madrid's First La Liga Goal Against Mallorca
- Real Madrid forward Rodrygo Goes notched Los Blancos' first goal in the 2024/25 La Liga campaign on Sunday night
- The Brazilian international also scored Real Madrid's first goal in their opening La Liga fixture last season
- Real Madrid were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Mallorca in their La Liga season opener on Sunday, August 18
Real Madrid kicked off their La Liga season with a strong start, taking an early 1-0 lead against Mallorca.
It took Los Blancos less than 15 minutes to score as Carlo Ancelotti aims to lead them to a successful title defence in 2025.
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Ancelotti chose to maintain the same starting lineup as the midweek 2-0 UEFA Super Cup final against Atalanta in Warsaw.
This decision kept the spotlight on Kylian Mbappe's highly anticipated La Liga debut, but it was Ancelotti's two standout Brazilians who made the difference in Palma.
As Mallorca struggled to clear the ball from their penalty area, Vinicius Junior's clever backheel set up Rodrygo Goes, who curled a superb shot into the net, silencing the home crowd, per Football Espana.
Mallorca pulls parity in the second half
After the break, the home side, buoyed by their fans' support, found an equaliser through Vedat Muriqi after halftime, turning the match into a tense battle, per Diario AS.
Madrid pushed hard to regain the lead, but Mallorca’s defence held firm, frustrating the reigning champions and forcing them to settle for a draw.
Is Rodrygo willing to leave Madrid?
Meanwhile, Manchester City remain interested in Rodrygo but the Brazilian is not expected to depart from Real Madrid this summer, Madrid Universal reported.
The 23-year-old is a central figure in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans and extended his contract with Real Madrid last year.
Both Rodrygo and the club are committed to their partnership, with no immediate plans for a separation.
Despite the growing competition from Mbappe, Endrick, and the rising Arda Guler, Rodrygo's departure appears unlikely.
Ancelotti insists Mbappe has the quality to net 50+ goals
Previously, YEN.com.gh shared that Carlo Ancelotti showered praise on Kylian Mbappe, noting his exceptional goal-scoring ability following an impressive debut in the UEFA Super Cup.
When asked if Mbappe could net 50 goals in the 2024/2025 season, Ancelotti responded, "He has the quality to score many goals.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
