Mallorca edged Valencia 1-2 at Mestalla in a dramatic Saturday clash, overcoming Valencia’s early penalty with a late winner from Kang In Lee and a memorable contribution from a striking sequence by the Korean attacker.
Valencia controlled the first half, pushing to stretch the Mallorca defense without putting their goalkeeper under real pressure. The balance shifted after the break, with Mallorca showing greater intent and accuracy, consistently threatening the hosts’ goal and exploiting gaps created by Valencia’s advancing play.
Valencia began with high energy as Muctar Diakhaby left the field due to an injury in the early minutes, forcing Valencia to adapt and pursue quick vertical plays against a well-drilled Mallorca setup. This early disruption set the tone for a match that would alternate momentum as both sides tested each other’s resilience.
After an initial flurry of activity, the game settled into a spell of cautious play, with valiant pressing from Valencia but limited real danger for Rajković. Mallorca remained compact and opportunistic, ready to pounce on transitions and set pieces that could tilt the balance.
In the late stages of the opening period, Valencia began to assert more initiative, yet their attacks lacked the decisive sting needed to breach a steady Balearic defense. Mallorca remained disciplined, ready to counter and punish any lapse as they waited for a clear chance to seize control.
The second half opened with a familiar pattern: Valencia pressing high, Mallorca staying compact and lethal on the break. The visitors continued to neutralize most of Valencia’s attempts while pressing their own claim to create scoring opportunities.
A pivotal moment materialized when Cavani converted from the penalty spot, exploiting a clear foul to put Valencia ahead and momentum briefly swing in their favor. The goal reinforced Valencia’s confidence, yet Mallorca responded decisively with tactical discipline and renewed energy.
The home side made three changes under coach Javier Aguirre, a strategic move that injected renewed intensity and helped Mallorca shed some of their cautious approach, turning defense into purposeful forward play. Muriqi earned a late chance after a challenge by Nico on Amath, underscoring the endurance of the Balearic team as they searched for parity.
The match’s rhythm shifted again as neither team could fully control proceedings, but Mallorca remained dangerous on the break. Dani Rodríguez delivered a precise pass that opened space, paving the way for Kang In Lee to strike in the 82nd minute. He danced past two defenders and created enough room to fire a decisive shot past Mamardashvili. [Source: LaLiga Santander]
With the clock ticking, both sides traded efforts in a frantic finish, yet neither could seal a late breakthrough. The final whistle confirmed an encounter defined by resilience, smart game management, and a moment of individual brilliance that decided the result.
Lineups: Valencia lined up Mamardasvili, Gabriel Paulista, Diakhaby (Cenk Özkacar, min.4), Gayá, Nico (Hugo Guillamón, min.66), Yunus Musah, Almeida (Marcos André, min.73), Kluivert (Hugo Duro, min.73), Cavani and others. Mallorca started with Rajkovic, Maffeo, Raíllo, Valjent (Nastasic, min.76), Copete (Daniel Rodríguez, min.55), Jaume Costa (González, min.78), Battaglia (Baba, min.55), Ruiz de Galarreta, Sánchez (Amath, min.55), Kang En and Muriqi.
Goals: 1-0, min.51 Cavani (penalty); 1-1, min.66 Muriqi; 1-2, min.82 Kang In.
Referee: Sánchez Martínez (Murcia). Valencia received yellow cards for Yunus Musah and Guillamón; Mallorca’s Battaglia, Muriqi, Garraleta and Raillo were booked as well.
Attendance: 41,199 spectators watched the LaLiga Santander match at Mestalla. [Citation: Official LaLiga match report]
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