Samu Costa celebrates his goal against Espanyol at Son Moix.
It’s one final after another for Real Mallorca as they navigate this decisive stretch of the season. Today’s clash against Villarreal at Son Moix is just as vital as last Friday’s victory over Girona. That win provided a much-needed boost for the vermilion side, but results from direct rivals mean they cannot afford to let their guard down.
This will not be an easy match, nor will the opposition take it lightly. Villarreal mathematically secured their Champions League spot last week and are determined to hold onto third place. Unlike some teams that have already achieved their objectives, the Yellow Submarine hasn’t taken its foot off the accelerator, as demonstrated by their 5-1 demolition of Levante in the last round.
Mallorca heads into the fixture fully aware of what their relegation rivals have done. Elche and Alavés drew at the Martínez Valero, a result that works in Mallorca’s favor, while Sevilla came from behind to beat Espanyol, temporarily leapfrogging the Balearic side but leaving the ‘pericos’ severely demoralized.
The main doubt in Demichelis’ lineup was resolved by the coach himself: Mateu Morey will replace the suspended Pablo Maffeo, who is out due to yellow card accumulation. As for the rest of the team, the only expected change is Luvumbo, now fully recovered from injury, coming in for Kalumba, who joins Raíllo, Mateo Joseph, and Bergström on the sidelines.
As for Villarreal, Marcelino is likely to stick with his recent rotation policy for away games, introducing several changes to the starting eleven. This means players like Pape Gueye, Gerard Moreno, or Pepe could be given a rest. On the injury front, long-term absentee Juan Foyth and the physically troubled Logan Costa remain unavailable.
Mallorca must continue to show their solid home form to secure three points, reaching 41 and putting four points between themselves and Alavés, who currently occupy the relegation spot.
