Rayo Vallecano 2 - Real Mallorca 1
Rayo Vallecano ended their eight game winless run in La Liga with a 2-1 win in Madrid on Sunday afternoon against a totally inept Real Mallorca side. The islanders are now in freefall as we reach the halfway point in La Liga EA Sports 2025/26.
In a half empty Mallorca Sports Bar, the team showed what us Mallorquinistas have known for months, that they have very little footballing ability this season. If Mallorca do stay in La Liga in May (if miracles do really happen), it will be because there are two or three other teams near the nether regions of La Primera who are more rubbish than us. Some of the Mallorca players who are supposed to have talent couldn’t even control the ball or make an accurate pass to someone in a red shirt.
Any game plan coach Arrasate had hatched during the week in training went out the window in the 4th minute. Mallorca’s rightback Maffeo let the ball go through his legs and a cutback saw Rayo’s De Frutos having a simple tap in, 1-0. On the half hour mark a cross from Toni Lato saw Muriqi score his 11th goal of the season with a trademark header, 1-1.
Then a refereeing howler saw Mallorca go behind. Martin Valjent was involved in a coming together with Rayo’s De Frutos. Valjent struck the striker’s shoulder with his open hand. The referee didn’t hang about and immediately awarded a penalty with VAR not even involved. De Frutos went to ground and did the customary three or four roll-overs for added affect.
The second half was purgatory personified, as Mallorca looked a disorientated and uncoordinated team. Things weren’t helped by a referee who was blowing up for everything that moved with hardly anything happening in either penalty area.
In the 78th minute Rayo’s Valentin was sent off after stamping on Pablo Torre’s calf with his studs. This time VAR was involved as Valentin saw red. The game became stretched with Mallorca, despite playing against ten men, not able to produce a decent cross into the penalty box. Rayo’s goalkeeper didn’t have to make a save all afternoon.
So another “must win” game ends in defeat for this poor Mallorca side as they end the first half of the campaign on 18 points, with the shadow of the Grim Reaper hovering over Son Moix.
Mallorca have now conceded more first half goals in La Liga this season (18) than anyone else. The coach and the players must shoulder the blame for another horror show. Arrasate in my opinion is now one of the worst coaches we’ve had in recent years. One message on Sunday night on social media said “What a way this bloodless squad trampled on the badge. The team is like the walking dead!”
Next up is a home game on Saturday (January 17) at 4:15 against Athletic Club (Bilbao).