Jon Guridi’s strike in the 76th minute was the difference as we fell to a 1-0 defeat at Deportivo Alaves.
Jagoba Arrasate rotated his side by swapping Domink Grief for Leo Roman in goal while Chiquinho started out on the wing, with Vedat Muriqi, Martin Valjent and Johan Mojica among the substitutes.
The wideman would have our first sight at goal in the 24th minute when he dipped his shoulder and shot from outside the box, although his effort was well saved.
Guridi almost got lucky with a driven cross just a minute later, although thankfully the hosts did not have a player in place to box home inside the six-yard box.
We headed into the break goalless with neither side able to find their rhythm in the final third.
Tenaglia had the first opportunity following the restart but Roman was able to watch the full back’s wild effort sail over his cross bar.
Cyle Larin was unlucky not to find the back of the net just before the hour mark when he climbed highest to meet Dani Rodríguez’s free-kick, although his attempt was off target.
The hosts took the lead in the 76th minute when Guridi reacted to a loose ball in the box and found the bottom corner from close range.
We pressed hard to find a late equaliser but our efforts would go unrewarded as we headed back to the island empty handed.
Line-ups:
Alaves: Sivera, Tenaglia, Abqar, Pica, Manu Sánchez; Blanco, Protesoni (Guevara, min 17), Carlos Vicente, Rebbach (Carlos Martín, min 91), Guridi (Stoichkov, min 80), Kike García (Toni Martínez, min 91).
RCD Mallorca: Leo Román, Maffeo, Copete, Raíllo, Lato, Dani Rodríguez (Luna, min 79), Robert Navarro (Antonio Sánchez, min 69), Morlanes, Mascarell (Prats, min 78), Chiquinho (Muriqi, min 57), Larin (Darder, min 69).
Goals: 1-0, min 76: Guridi.
