As the La Liga season draws to a close the fate of Real Mallorca in their fight to avoid relegation is in their own hands. Only four points separate the eight clubs who are candidates to fall into the two places to drop into the abyss of the second division. Oviedo are, barring a miracle, already down.
Vital Win in Girona
In the last two games Mallorca faced a daunting visit to Girona on the 1 st of May. The omens were not good as the Islanders had the worst away record in the league having collected just six points on their travels. Matters worsened as 3 members of the squad, top scorer Muriqi, Samu Costa and winger Virgili were struck down with gastro enteritis before the game. Virgili was the worst affected and named on the bench with the other two starting . Luvumbo was only fit enough to sit alongside him on the bench with Asano expecting to start. Not for the first time head coach Demichelis sprung a surprise by naming young Frenchman Kalumba to partner Muriqi instead of Asano.
The team started brightly with Kalumba to the fore but it took a great save from Leo Roman to keep the scores level. Muriqi missed a golden opportunity but on the stroke of half time a brilliant cross from John Mojica was headed in by Samu Costa ghosting in at the far post to put the visitors in front. The Portuguese international has now scored seven goals so far. He has been promoted by Demichelis to a much more advanced role in midfield instead of his anchor role in front of the back four. Curiously he has swapped positions with Sergi Darder who is revelling in the role of defensive pivot. A fresh position for him as he has been playing in a much more advanced role in his entire career.
At half time Kumbula was taken off as he was injured and replaced by Virgili. After only 20 minutes the young winger was himself substituted and he sprinted down the tunnel clearly affected by the gastro enteritis bug ! Antonio Sanchez replaced him but in truth the second half was a backs to the wall effort. Girona are themselves in deep trouble in the relegation zone and they threw the kitchen sink at the reds hitting the post twice early on. Leo Roman was in inspired form pulling off save after save. Central defenders Valjent and Mascarell repelled the attacks and the relief amongst the watching Mallorca fans was palpable as the final whistle sounded. This was a real display of character and gave hope to the survival mission. Demichelis declared after the game “We have character and we showed it in Girona but there is no moment to relax”
Strong Display Against Villarreal
Next up was a game in Palma against Villareal who are already sure of a Champions League place next season and are an exceptional opponent. Combative right back Maffeo was suspended because of an accumulation of yellow cards so Mateo Morey took his place and Luvumbo was recalled up front. Mallorca started on the front foot and Muriqi put an effort over the top and Luvumbo glanced a neat header just wide of the post. Villareal are a renowned counter attacking side and from a breakaway in the 31 st minute a snap shot by Cardona hit Morey´s hand in the area. The referee did not see it but VAR gave the penalty and Ayoze Perez scored despite Leo Roman getting a very strong hand to the effort but the ball deflected into the roof of the net.
The reds continued to press and on stroke of half time were gifted an equaliser when Villareal goalkeeper Arnau Tenas dropped a simple catch to the feet of Muriqi who slotted home his 22nd goal of the season.
In the second half Mallorca mounted attack after attack and Tenas redeemed himself with exceptional saves from a Pablo Torre screamer and a free kick from substitute Jan Virgili amongst others.
A point against a top team is always welcome but three, which were deserved, would have been priceless. One downside was that Samu Costa received a yellow card for protesting a decision by the referee and will miss the next game. Muriqi is only one more card away from a suspension. Demichelis was buoyant afterwards – “We dominated. We had chances to score the second. We lacked a win, but I’m proud of the boys.”
Three Games to Survive
Three games in 10 days will decide Mallorca´s fate. The first is away to Getafe on the 13 th of May and they are battling for a European place. Then it’s a trip to Levante on Sunday the 17 th of May who are currently below Mallorca in the league but have won their last four games.
Finally the showdown is against Oviedo on Saturday the 23 rd of May at 21.00 in Palma. The visitors will be confirmed as relegated by then.
Probably one win and a draw will be sufficient but Demichelis insists he will seek a win in all the games and not put up the shutters. Fingers crossed !!
Charles Nutter
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