In an intense clash on the fourth day of La Liga, Mallorca faced off against Espanyol, with standout performances from both sides. The game ultimately ended with a 3-2 defeat for the Bermellones, despite striker Vedat Muriqi’s impressive brace. The match showcased end-to-end action and a shared score of 2 until the die was cast in the dying moments, when Espanyol’s José González Álvarez found a breakthrough.
Pere Milla opened the scoring at the 19th minute with a stunning shot after receiving a pass from Carlos Romero, striking the ball into the bottom left corner, leaving the goalkeeper no chance. Despite falling behind, Muriqi answered back, leveling the match 1-1 before the halftime break with a penalty goal in the 44th minute.
In the second half, Muriqi continued to shine, netting his second in the 64th minute, putting Mallorca ahead momentarily. However, Espanyol responded emphatically; Roberto Fernández scored in the 33rd minute, while Kike García converted a penalty at the 80th minute, sealing the win.
Espanyol’s Leandro Cabrera nearly turned the tide with a shot that hit the post in the 68th minute, but luck was not on Mallorca’s side, despite recording 23 shots, including 14 on target.
Muriqi’s performance was noteworthy with a total of 2 goals, 13 attempts on goal, and 19 successful passes. His teammate, Sergi Darder, also exhibited great skill, completing 95 passes, winning 4 tackles, and attempting 3 shots throughout the match.
Espanyol’s tactical approach under manager José González Álvarez featured a 4-5-1 setup, with Marko Dmitrovic in goal and a robust backline comprising Omar el Hilali, Fernando Calero, Leandro Cabrera, and Carlos Romero. In midfield, Pol Lozano, Urko Gonzalez, Tyrhys Dolan, Pere Milla, and Javi Puado orchestrated the play, while Roberto Fernández led the attack.
In contrast, Mallorca, managed by Jagoba Arrasate, adopted a 5-3-2 formation, with Leo Román as the goalkeeper and a defensive line made up of Mateu Morey, Martin Valjent, Antonio Raíllo, Marash Kumbulla, and Johan Mojica. The midfield was manned by Sergi Darder, Manu Morlanes, and Pablo Torre, while Muriqi and Mateo Joseph spearheaded the forward line.
Referee Alejandro Hernández Hernández maintained order on the pitch, overseeing a match filled with excitement and drama.
As the competition progresses, Espanyol will next face Real Madrid away, while Mallorca will host Atlético de Madrid. Following this match, Espanyol sits third in the league standings with 10 points, whereas Mallorca languishes in 19th with just 1 point.
Substitutions for Espanyol
57’ – Pol Lozano off for Charles Pickel
71’ – Javi Puado off for Rubén Sánchez, Roberto Fernández off for Kike García
84’ – Omar el Hilali off for Ramón Terrats, Tyrhys Dolan off for Miguel Rubio
Yellow Cards for Espanyol
42’ – Pol Lozano (Unsporting behavior), 43’ – Kike García (Holding opponent to prevent advancement)
Red Card for Espanyol
47’ – Pere Milla (Direct red)
Substitutions for Mallorca
45’ – Mateu Morey off for Pablo Maffeo, Marash Kumbulla off for Jan Virgili
63’ – Mateo Joseph off for Abdón Prats
70’ – Pablo Torre off for Samu Costa
81’ – Manu Morlanes off for Marc Domenech
Yellow Card for Mallorca
46’ – Mateu Morey (Holding opponent to prevent advancement)