Takefusa Kubo comes in off the bench in Mallorca’s 1 - 1 draw with Real Betis

“Take Kubo! Take Kubo! Take Kubo!”

Those were the chants Real Madrid’s loanee was met with in Mallorca today, as fans at Iberostar Stadium welcomed back Takefusa Kubo to their team.

Kubo entered the game in the 61st minute. As he approached the sideline, Mallorca were up 1 - 0, but by the time he entered the field, the score was 1 - 1. Real Betis scored on a corner kick before the substitution was made.

The equalizer changed the dynamic of the game, somewhat. As things had initially stood, Kubo would’ve entered the field in a more open game, where Betis — vulnerable defensively all game — would’ve left even more space in transition as they chased the game.

Alas, Kubo did look lively as he came on, even if he didn’t get on the ball that much. When he did, he looked to break lines, and even won a couple free-kicks — one of which he took himself and sailed over the bar.

Kubo only had 13 touches in today’s draw, and played a more central role. He was part of a double sub, where he and left-winter Amath Ndiaye replaced forward Angel and right central midfielder and left-winger Salva Sevilla. Ndiaye went to the left wing, and Kubo played more centrally. Though Kubo did have his position shifted into more of a free-roaming 10 role as the half wore on and head coach Luis Garcia made more subs.

All in all, a promising start to the season for Mallorca who had a great game, and for Kubo, who is already getting integrated into the team.

As always, keep it locked on the loan-tracker podcast for Patrons, where Kiyan Sobhani and Matt Wiltse will review all the loanee action.