Real Madrid maintain perfect start while Atletico Madrid stumble again
Published: 31 August 2025, 4:06:15
Real Madrid made it three wins from three in La Liga with a 2-1 comeback victory over Real Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, continuing their perfect start under new head coach Xabi Alonso.
Vedat Muriqi gave the visitors a surprise lead in the 18th minute, using his shoulder to divert a corner past Thibaut Courtois—Madrid’s first goal conceded this season. However, Alonso’s side responded quickly, scoring twice in two minutes through Arda Guler and Vinicius Junior.
Despite having three goals disallowed, Los Blancos looked sharp and dominant, with Alonso pleased by his side’s response. “With good team spirit we managed to turn the game around,” he told Real Madrid TV. “We wanted this start, even though we knew we lacked minutes and match sharpness.”
Kylian Mbappe had a goal ruled out for offside early on and missed another chance before halftime. Promising young signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Franco Mastantuono also impressed, with the Argentine 18-year-old making his first home start. Guler appeared to have added a third after the break, but the goal was ruled out for a handball.
In the closing stages, Alvaro Carreras made a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Mallorca an equaliser, as Real Madrid showed improved game management compared to recent seasons under former coach Carlo Ancelotti.
“This is a different season, almost without a pre-season,” said Carreras. “Now we’re starting to live the nights we dreamed of here.”
Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid’s poor start to the campaign continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Alaves. Giuliano Simeone gave Atletico an early lead, but Carlos Vicente equalised from the penalty spot, leaving Diego Simeone’s side winless after three matches.
Despite summer reinforcements, Atletico’s performances have not yet clicked. “We have to keep working, to trust in my players,” Simeone told Movistar. “The important thing is that the team improves, and as a consequence, the points will come.”
Antoine Griezmann hit the post late in the game, and goalkeeper Jan Oblak admitted frustration. “We have to do better,” he said. “We’re angry, and it leaves a bad taste in the mouth.”
Barcelona, Villarreal, and Athletic Bilbao will look to match Real Madrid’s perfect record when they play on Sunday.
