Mallorca star jokes about Kylian Mbappe ahead of La Liga opener

As Real Madrid prepare to kick off their La Liga campaign against RCD Mallorca this Sunday, all eyes are on Kylian Mbappe, who made a sensational debut for Los Blancos by scoring in the UEFA Super Cup.

But, while fans are eager to see Mbappe in action, Mallorca midfielder Sergi Darder has a different wish.

In a pre-match interview, Darder expressed his hopes that Mbappe might not start against Mallorca, saying, “I hope he is on the bench and rests.”

Darder’s light-hearted comment reflects the nervous anticipation surrounding Mbappe’s potential impact on the game.

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Mbappe impact looms large

Mallorca knows they face a formidable challenge with Mbappe leading Real Madrid’s attack. The French superstar, who is fresh from his summer transfer has already shown his ability to deliver in crucial moments as evidenced by his goal in the Super Cup.

But, it’s not just Mbappe that Mallorca has to worry about. The dynamic Brazilian duo of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo also pose significant threats, both of whom are expected to support Mbappe on the flanks.

Despite rumours of Rodrygo’s potential exit, it looks like he will stay and continue to contribute to Madrid’s attacking firepower.

With Mbappe having had limited training due to his extended break after Euro 2024, there’s speculation about whether he will start or be eased into the match.

But, given Carlo Ancelotti’s tendency to stick with a winning team, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Mbappe leading the line from the beginning.

As Mallorca braces for the clash, Darder’s playful remarks underscore the challenge they face. The question now is whether Ancelotti will unleash his star-studded lineup from the first whistle or keep some firepower in reserve. Either way, it promises to be an exciting start to Real Madrid’s La Liga campaign.