New Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho will be expecting better from his charges as they huffed and puffed but ultimately could not break down the red Mallorca door in what ended as a nil-nil draw at the ONO Estadi.

Real came flying out of the blocks but it was not one of the new signings that enthralled the watching public, but last summers galactico signing Cristiano Ronaldo who was the man to watch. He produced a number of long range efforts that went close and was also combining well with Gonzalo Higuain.

Higuain was proving difficult for Ruben to deal with and he nearly gave away a penalty after losing a foot race with the Argentine, but Higuain stayed on his feet and the decision was not given.

Mallorca were looking a threat on the counter attack but the Madrid backline held firm and did not give them a sight at goal in the opening period of the first half.

Los Bermellones did however settle into a rhythm as Madrid eased off with Gonzalo Castro going close from just inside the 18 yard box. The home team then went close again, but the offside flag went up as Castro had just strayed, but it was marginal.

Despite chances for both teams neither could break the deadlock before half-time.

After the restart Madrid were finding it difficult to break down a stubborn and well organised Mallorca defence, given that, the home team were also having more affect as an attacking force against the Madrid full-backs and carved out an excellent opportunity but Victor Casadesus headed just wide.

On the hour mark Mourinho brought on the big guns as Canales and Di Maria were replaced by Oezil and Karim Benzema. The changes had the desired effect as Real Madrid turned the screw, putting more pressure on Mallorca and were creating much better chances, but they were still unable to find the back of the net.

This initial impact waned as the away team grew frustrated at their inability to convert their superior possession, even so the home team were not deterred and continued to break well with excellent opportunities falling to Nsue and Tomas Pina.

Towards the end of the game Ronaldo, Oezil and Benzema missed gilt-edged chances that would have earned three points for Real, but it was not to be.

Los Merengues will look to Osasuna in two weeks’ time to kick start their season, while Mallorca will look to built upon their performance away to Sporting Gijon when their players regroup after the international break. [David Schiavone/Goal]

Mallorca 0-0 Real Madrid Highlights [2010-08-29]