Match Summary
Granada CF edged Real Mallorca 3-2 at the Los Cármenes, clinching their first win of the LaLiga EA Sports season in round three. Miguel Rubio opened the scoring in the 12th minute, and Granada’s energy surged in the second half with Brian Zaragoza initiating the comeback and Unzuni sealing the deal with a penalty in the 70th minute.
Abdón Prats leveled for Mallorca in the 38th minute, while Samu Costa added late drama in the 88th, keeping Javier Aguirre’s side competitive throughout a pulsating clash.
Granada delivered standout contributions from striker Brian Zaragoza and goalkeeper Raúl Fernández. Zaragoza not only found the net but also earned a decisive penalty, and Fernández produced key saves as Mallorca pushed for a late equalizer.
The opening exchanges were intense. Mallorca pressed early, with Maffeo forcing a sharp chance that quickly set the tempo. Granada answered with purpose, guided by the movement of José Callejón and Zaragoza on both flanks, probing Mallorca’s defense even with captain Antonio Raíllo unavailable for his season debut.
Rajkovic faced several danger moments as Granada pressed high. Mallorca looked to exploit spaces through Sergi Darder, who had just joined from RCD Espanyol, but Granada’s back line stood firm in the early stages.
The home side struck first in the 12th minute when Callejón delivered a precise cross to an unmarked Miguel Rubio at the far post. Rubio directed a powerful header beyond Rajkovic, sending the home crowd into a roar as Granada took the lead. Mallorca did not fold, earning a penalty soon after when Lato was fouled. Vedat Muriqi struck the ball against the post, keeping Granada ahead at halftime and adding drama to the contest.
Muriqi’s miss proved pivotal as Granada sensed momentum tilting their way. The visitors increased tempo, with Callejón and Zaragoza driving play higher up the pitch and crafting opportunities through rapid combinations in midfield.
The second half began with a swift breakthrough for Granada. In the opening minute, Brian Zaragoza produced a dazzling solo maneuver and finished clinically to make it 2-0. A yellow card for Gio González later escalated to a red after a VAR review, reshaping Mallorca’s tactical setup and granting Granada more room to maneuver.
Real Mallorca continued to press for a response, with Larin stepping on as a new option and creating danger as Granada’s attackers menaced. Aguirre adjusted his shape to try to blunt the Granada threat, but Raúl Fernández stood tall with a sequence of crucial saves to preserve the lead.
The visitors finally found a reply when Samu Costa converted a late chance in the 88th minute, breathing life into Mallorca’s fight but not enough to overturn Granada’s advantage. The final whistle confirmed Granada’s first win of the campaign, a boost for the home crowd and a sign of the team’s attacking intent for the weeks ahead.
Data sheet
Granada: Raúl Fernández; Ricard, Miguel Rubio, Ignasi Miquel, Carlos Neva; Sergio Ruiz, Gumbau, Melendo; Brian Zaragoza, Unzuni, Callejón. Substitutes: Víctor Díaz, Famaráá, Petrovic, Alberto Perea, Soro, Llorente. Goals: Rubio 12, Zaragoza 47, Unzuni 70 penalty. Bookings: none listed.
Real Mallorca: Rajkovic; Maffeo, Gio González, Vedat Muriqi, Copete, Lato; Mascarell, Sergi Darder, Abdón Prats, Dani Rodríguez, Samu Costa. Substitutes: Llabrés, Jaume Costa, Amath, Larin. Goals: Prats 37, Costa 88. Card: Gio González 51. Substitutions: Samu Costa 57, Larin 57, Amath 72, Llabrés 72, Jaume Costa 77, Soro 82. Referee: Francisco José Hernández Maeso. Attendance: 17,000.
Key events: Rubio opened the scoring in the 12th minute. Prats equalized at 37. Zaragoza restored Granada’s lead at 47. Unzuni converted a late penalty at 70. Costa scored late for Mallorca at 88. The match featured pivotal moments around discipline and VAR decisions that shaped the second half.
Note: This report reflects match actions and outcomes as recorded on the day of play and is supported by official match reports and league summaries.