Valencia 1 - Real Mallorca 1
Real Mallorca closed out 2025 with a 1-1 draw against struggling Valencia in front of 41,520 fans in the Mestalla on Friday night. The point was worth its weight in gold as it was a miracle the Palma side didn’t lose.
For the first half hour we played well and in the 23rd minute went ahead from an Antonio Sanchez free kick which reached Raillo (complete with his titanium mask), who out-jumped the home defence and his headed pass was volleyed in by Samu Costa – his third goal of the season, all of them away from home.
After the Palma side took the lead, they fell to bits. It was all Valencia, especially down the left flank where our Colombian left back Mojica had a ’mare. Valencia pinned the islanders back and their goal led a charmed life but somehow Mallorca held out until half time.
Into the second half and Valencia dominated. They restored parity in the 53rd minute when their striker Hugo Duro headed in from close range. Then Mallorca goalkeeper Leo Roman kept us in the game, saving what looked like a certain goal for Valencia with his right foot. Mallorca were now well and truly on the ropes and coach Arrasate took off our star man Virgili, replacing him with a defender, Kumbulla. Virgili was far from pleased at being substituted and showed his anger by throwing the coat he was offered onto the dug-out floor.
Chances for both sides became few and far between as Mallorca survived the onslaught as best they could. The game inevitably finished in a share of the spoils. Both teams were afraid of losing a point but, given the circumstances, the point was better for Los Bermellones.
It’s been a year of suffering and tension as La Liga shuts down for a two-week winter break. Our next game is at home to Girona on Sunday, January 4 at 18:30. Let’s hope 2026 is a whole lot better for RCD Mallorca and us Mallorquinistas!