3 changes Carlo Ancelotti must make after Real Madrid flopped vs Mallorca

Real Madrid didn't impress during their first game back in La Liga. They are the reigning champions of the competition but nobody would have guessed it from the first game of the season. Carlo Ancelotti's side did go a goal ahead in the match, courtesy of a fine blast from Rodrygo into the far corner. However, Kosovan striker Vedat Muriqi equalised without reply for Mallorca.

Speaking after the match, Carlo Ancelotti made his frustrations clear. Obviously, he was not satisfied with drawing the match, particularly since it was all to play for in the Liga opener. However, he was mostly concerned with the balance which Real Madrid seemed to lack.

Therefore, here are 3 changes Real Madrid must make for their next match against Valladolid.

3 changes Carlo Ancelotti must make after Real Madrid flopped vs Mallorca

1. Start Fran Garcia

Fran Garcia was not handed an appearance in the Liga opener against Real Mallorca. He was on the subs bench but he was not needed on the field. However, this is more than likely to change in the next match against Valladolid.

For those who aren't aware, Ferland Mendy is suspended from the following match, due to picking up a red card at the weekend. Therefore, his replacement is glaringly obvious, with Garcia having been rested in the entirety of the league action.

Garcia had a good season last time out, so he will be eager to open his account for the new campaign. Last season, Garcia made 25 appearances in La Liga, 15 of them being starts. He definitely has what it takes to compete with Mendy in the starting lineup and this could be a golden opportunity to put himself on a pedestal.

2. Replace one of Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde with Luka Modric

Neither Jude Bellingham nor Federico Valverde played bad against Real Mallorca. In fact, quite the opposite is true. However, it is fair to say that if Carlo Ancelotti is looking for more balance in his squad, the first place he should look is in the midfield.

Even if it is only a temporary solution to find more balance, Luka Modric is the epitome of balance. He should come in and join Aurelien Tchouameni in a double pivot. It is clear that Eduardo Camavinga was missed for this very reason, and with the midfield trio which started against Real Mallorca, this only left Real Madrid short of protection to their defence.

Luka Modric played well in pre-season for Real Madrid and he has what it takes to come in and tighten up the midfield. He is one of the best midfielders of all-time and Carlo Ancelotti can use him to fill that Eduardo Camavinga void, without any questions asked.

3. Test the low-block, don't be scared of it

Real Madrid were reminded of the infamous La Liga low-block. Playing against Real Mallorca was incredibly frustrating, considering they set up defensively and had every man behind the ball a lot of the time. As such, Real Madrid only managed 6 shots inside the box, including their only goal, as per FotMob. This means that despite having more shots (13), Real Madrid had less expected goals (0.6).

Ultimately, Real Madrid were relying on pop-shots. This is not good and is not sustainable for a win. In the next match, Real Madrid must simply be braver and probe the low-block more, rather than being scared of it. After all, blaming the low-back only goes so far when Real Madrid have more than enough quality to not only test it, but obliterate it.

What changes do you think Real Madrid must make going forward?

READ MORE REAL MADRID NEWS: