Mallorca moved a step closer to momentum with a 3-2 victory over Osasuna, a win earned through resilience and a timely change in attacking tempo. The decisive moment arrived when Matija Nastasic, pushing forward more than usual, intercepted a misdirected clearance and converted a Dani Rodríguez corner to level the score and trigger a late push. The sequence underscored Mallorca’s grit and the tactical boldness of the Balearic club, which had previously weathered Pablo Ibáñez’s opener to claim three crucial points.
This marked the third win of the campaign and a second straight home triumph, a performance that steadies the dressing room and brings relief to Mexican coach Javier Aguirre. His players showed collective resolve after Ibáñez’s strike threatened to derail the plan, with Mallorca pressing on and swiftly turning the momentum in front of their supporters.
Osasuna carried eight points from ten road fixtures this season and arrived in Palma hoping to replicate the strong showing that secured a victory on their last visit. They faced early pressure as Mallorca neutralized Ibáñez’s first-minute finish. A direct free kick from José Arnaiz, following an injury to Raúl García, set the tone for an entertaining first half.
The visitors took the lead when Predrag Rajković misread a shot, a rare slip from the goalkeeper this season. Nastasic and the disciplined defense responded, and a well-executed corner by Dani Rodríguez beat Sergio Herrera, restoring parity and giving Mallorca renewed belief. The home crowd sensed the shift, feeling their side could seize the initiative in front of their home fans.
Gains in attack occurred gradually, but the balance swung decisively when Ibáñez and Nastasic both pushed forward more regularly, a sign of the managers’ tactical flexibility. Ibáñez, deployed up front, showed composure and participated in several key plays as the first half wore on. Mallorca’s front line benefited from Darder’s additional involvement off the bench and the pace of Canadian striker Cyle Larin, who joined the attack and provided the necessary threat to keep Osasuna honest.
In midfield, Aguirre tried to inject energy by bringing on Darder, the club’s star signing, to refresh the engine room. The substitutions sparked a mixed crowd reaction—some fans called for Abdón, the Prats native, reflecting local support and the occasional tension that accompanies late-season pushes. The plan to keep Larin as a focal point up front yielded tangible dividends, even as Osasuna pressed to regain control.
In the second half, Osasuna rolled out a new plan with Iker Muñoz and Oroz entering for Moi Gómez and Torró, while Aguirre retained his core eleven to maintain shape and continuity. The Navarrese outfit pushed forward, hoping to exploit any lapse in Mallorca’s concentration, but the home side’s organization and discipline were evident. The match tilted decisively when Mallorca registered two rapid goals early after the restart, driven by the tireless work of Dani Rodríguez and Raillo, who helped secure a 3-1 lead and earned a standing ovation from the home supporters.
The scoring burst electrified the stadium, turning the atmosphere into a celebration of the team’s commitment and tenacity. The attackers’ effectiveness, combined with a stubborn defensive display, suggested a turning point in the season, demonstrating that the side could answer big moments with confidence. The crowd roared as the scoreboard reflected growing composure and clarity during a crucial phase of the match.
Osasuna did not ease off after conceding the third and tried to lift their performance with further substitutions. Chimy Ávila and Raúl García reentered the fray, while the rojillos wore a lighter blue kit that day. Despite their efforts, Osasuna never settled into a consistent rhythm, and Mallorca dictated the tempo for long stretches, creating chances and pressing high when Osasuna attempted to break out from their own half.
The late drama resurfaced when Ibáñez, now an impact substitute, threaded a precise pass into the box that allowed Raúl García to pull a late goal back for Osasuna in stoppage time. The goal heightened tension in the closing minutes as Mallorca fought to protect their lead, and the final whistle sealed a performance marked by resilience, tactical adaptability, and a willingness to take calculated risks in pursuit of victory.
From the stands to the touchline, the match showcased Mallorca’s willingness to vary shapes and personnel, balancing solidity with goal-threat. The win reinforced the sense that the squad can compete with determined teams and translate that effort into results at home. It also highlighted the role of strategic tweaks from Aguirre, whose choices to reinforce the midfield and maintain a dangerous presence up front paid off in a hard-fought triumph.
[Source: Mallorca match report]