MOSCOW, August 19 Real Madrid began the defense of the Spanish football championship title with a draw in an away match against Mallorca.
The meeting, which took place on Sunday in the city of Palma de Mallorca, ended with a score of 1:1. Real was leading after the first half thanks to a goal by Rodrigo (13th minute). The hosts were saved from defeat by an accurate strike by Vedat Muriqi (53). In the seventh minute of added time in the second half, Real defender Ferland Mendy was sent off.
Rodrigo has registered his 50th goal (27 goals and 23 assists) in 143 matches in La Liga. In addition, the Brazilian has scored Real Madrid's first goal in the national championship for the second season in a row.
French striker Kylian Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid in the summer as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain, played his debut match in La Liga.
Real Madrid will host Valladolid in the second round on August 25. The day before, Mallorca will play away against Osasuna.