Majorca edge Sevilla in tense 1-0 clash as Larin finds the net
Majorca opened the season’s first spark of joy for their fans with a tight 1-0 victory over Sevilla. Cyle Larin delivered the decisive strike in the first half, a left-footed finish that found the bottom corner and proved nearly unstoppable for the visiting defense. The match was played at a furious pace, with both sides needing three points to distance themselves from the relegation zone and restore confidence after a recent run of tough results.
VAR played a pivotal role in the outcome. Referee Adrià Pedrosa reviewed a potential equalizer by En-Nesyri and, after checking the monitor, ruled that the ball had touched the striker’s elbow before entering the net, canceling the effort and preserving Mallorca’s lead. The moment underscored how technology can directly influence a high-stakes league encounter and shift momentum in the final stages of a half.
With the win, Mallorca sit atop their current campaign’s table momentum, a relief for coach Javier Aguirre as the team navigates a demanding schedule. Sevilla’s fourth road defeat in sixteen days adds pressure on their Uruguayan manager Diego Alonso, who is facing growing scrutiny as results wobble away from home. The clash had a tangible feel of a turning point, especially for the Andalusian club, which has struggled to translate quality into consistent outcomes on the road.
Cyle Larin’s name stood out as his first goal of the season offered a reminder of his goal-scoring instincts. The Canadian attacker found the net with a composed finish that showcased his ability to convert opportunities under pressure. It was a moment that highlighted the importance of clinical finishing in tight games where chances are at a premium and each moment counts toward the final result.
Before kickoff, expectations centered on Abdón Prats and Javi Llabrés forming a potential attacking partnership, especially after Llabrés’s two-goal display in the Copa del Rey. But Aguirre opted to back Larin, a choice that paid dividends as the match unfolded, underlining how strategic personnel decisions can impact result dynamics in a season where margins are narrow and every decision matters.
Several standout saves and moments defined the second half. Predrag Rajković, Mallorca’s goalkeeper, produced a series of spectacular interventions to keep Sevilla at bay. He denied Lucas Ocampos with a sharp reaction and repelled a dangerous header from close range, reminding spectators why he is regarded as one of the league’s top shot-stoppers. Rajković’s performance helped Mallorca maintain their advantage and provided the backbone for a disciplined defensive structure that limited Sevilla’s opportunities despite sustained pressure.
Sevilla pressed relentlessly after the restart. En-Nesyri drew level with a well-timed strike that tested Rajković, who again demonstrated sharp anticipation by timing his movements to deny the equalizer. The goalkeeper’s presence and reflexes were instrumental as Sevilla sought to exploit any lapse in Mallorca’s shape. An injury setback for Sevilla shifted momentum briefly, but the visitors regrouped and kept pressing for a goal that would swing the fixture in their favor.
Moments later, Adriá Pedrosa capitalized on a miscue by Samu Costa and found the back of the net. The goal, however, was disallowed after a VAR check revealed a previous touch that negated the effort. The decision reignited a debate on what constitutes a clean scoring action in real time, and it became a defining moment in a match that hinged on fine margins and precise officiating. The episode added to an atmosphere thick with tension as both sides chased a critical result.
As the game approached its closing stages, Mallorca tightened their shape and executed their plan with fewer errors. Sevilla remained persistent, creating several half-chances and mounting pressure, but Mallorca’s defense, including a resilient showing from Rajković, stood firm. The closing phases tested both teams mentally and physically, with the hosts defending a crucial lead while countering Sevilla’s attempts to level the score. The final whistle confirmed Mallorca’s capacity to finish strong when it matters most and underscored the ongoing challenges Sevilla faces on the road this season.
The match highlighted the emotional and tactical layers of a high-stakes contest between teams chasing vital points. Larin’s key goal, Rajković’s heroics, and the VAR-reviewed moments will linger in the memories of supporters long after the final whistle. It was a reminder that in late-season games, individual moments can tilt the balance, but team cohesion and disciplined defense often decide outcomes in close contests.