Valladolid and Mallorca share the spoils in a dramatic 3-3 La Liga thriller

Valladolid and Mallorca played a fiercely contested 3-3 draw this Sunday, with the local side taking the lead in the first half through Kike Pérez as Mallorca fought their way back from behind to level the score. Pezzolano’s adjustments aimed at neutralizing Kosovo Vedat Muriqi from the penalty spot in the 94th minute helped seal a dramatic ending.

Fans arrived with high expectations, eager to see Paulo Pezzolano make his debut on the Valladolid bench. Many hoped the team would show more intensity than in the previous performances against Athletic Club and Real Madrid. Yet the tempo and pressure did not fully materialize in the first half.

Before kick-off, Valladolid faced a five-man Mallorca defensive line featuring Maffeo, Hadzikadunic, Valjent, Raíllo, and Costa. The locals initially found it difficult to unlock the visitors, though Fresneda and Lucas Rosa showed early sparks on the flanks as the game got underway.

The real danger for Valladolid came from Amath, who first shot wide after a run into Valladolid territory and then forced Masip to turn away his second attempt, keeping Mallorca hopeful of a comeback. Masip would also prove decisive after denying Amath again, removing the threat from Mallorca’s forward line with a clean save that kept Valladolid ahead for the moment.

What is football if not a sequence of such moments? Valladolid fused a solid team game, with Roque Mesa orchestrating the build-up as Mallorca pressed higher up the pitch. A well-worked move culminated in a precise pass from Lucas Rosa to Kike Pérez, whose stunning strike opened the scoring and sent José Zorrilla into a roar of relief and belief.

This goal energized Valladolid and sharpened their resolve. The Balearic side, forced to chase, pushed forward with resolve, seeking an equalizer before halftime. Their persistence paid off when Muriqi converted a cross from Maffeo, leveling the sides and shaking Valladolid’s early vigor.

Valladolid answered with renewed vigor, redoubling their efforts in duels and transitions. The contest swung as the match resumed after the break, with Mallorca showing greater intent but finding it hard to sustain pressure against a well-organized Valladolid defense. A key moment arrived when Muriqi struck again off a Maffeo center, giving Mallorca a lead and turning the match into a real test of character for the home side.

Valladolid did not wilt. Aguirre’s men increased the tempo and found a reward through a second goal, a rebound following a free kick by Lee Kang-in that put Morlanes on the scoresheet and forced a tense stalemate once more. The scoreline reflected a game that refused to settle, with both teams exchanging blows as the clock ticked down.

The stadium’s atmosphere intensified as Valladolid showed resilience, responding with a tactical reshuffle that brought fresh energy from the bench. Two players immediately contributed to the comeback, linking up with the attack and creating chances as the locals pressed for a late winner.

A crucial clearance destined for trouble was saved by Iván Sánchez, who then found Amallah, whose powerful strike beat Rajković and brought Valladolid back into the fold. The home side then pushed relentlessly into Mallorca’s half, attempting to convert pressure into a decisive moment.

Muriqi remained a constant threat, his presence stretching Valladolid’s defense and forcing last-ditch defending as the clock wound down. Yet the home side continued to pour forward, and the introduction of Kenedy and Monchu added another layer of attacking intent. Monchu’s header electrified the crowd and underscored Valladolid’s belief that a late score could still come.

The game carried on, nothing decided with minutes to spare. From a contentious moment, Larin’s handball was whistled for a penalty after VAR review, allowing Muriqi to convert and set the score at 3-3 just as five additional minutes were signaled. The final moments retained tension as both sides pushed for a winner, but the resourceful defending, timely stops, and late drama ensured the match would end all square.

In the end, the match marked a memorable 3-3 draw between two driven teams competing for a win in what was a pulsating La Liga clash. Valladolid, buoyed by a spirited performance, took away a point while Mallorca left with a point earned through persistence and a late leveller from Muriqi.

Data sheet:

3 – Real Valladolid: Masip; Fresneda, Joaquín, Javi Sánchez, Lucas Rosa (Escudero, m. 66); Kike Pérez (Monchu, m.80), Hongla, Roque Mesa (Iván Sánchez, m.66); Silver (Kenedy, m.80), Larin, Flat (Amallah, m.66).

3 – RCD Majorca: Rajkovic; Hadzikadunic, Valjent, Raillo, Costa; Maffeo, De Galarreta, Morlanes (Grenier, art. 74), Lee Kang In (Ángel, art. 85); Amath (Sánchez, m.74), Muniqi (Abdon, m.90+).

Goals: 1-0, art.33: Kike Pérez. 1-1, art.53: Muriqi. 1-2, m.58: Moryols. 2-2, m.68: Amallah. 3-2, art.86: Monchu. 3-3, m.94: Muriqi, from penalty.

Referee: Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz (Galicia Committee). Showed yellow cards to Roque Mesa (m.10), Lucas Rosa (m.55) and Cyle Larin (m.93) from Valladolid; Ruiz de Galarreta (m.38), Valjent (m.44), Jaume Costa (m.64), Morlanes (m.74) and Abdón Prats (m.90+) from Mallorca.

Events: The match, part of the twenty-eighth round of LaLiga Santander, was played before 18,010 spectators at the José Zorrilla stadium.