Vedat Muriqi and Amath are on target as our unbeaten run extends to three games
Vedat Muriqi and Amath struck either side of half-time as our unbeaten run of form extended to three games with a 2-0 win at Villarreal CF.
With Pablo Maffeo and Antonio Raíllo suspended, Gio González and Matija Nastasić started in defence as Javier Aguirre watched from the stands having received a red card in the draw to RCD Espanyol.
We started the stronger side and could have taken an early lead when Jaume Costa was played through on goal, although the defender was unable to beat the advancing Gerónimo Rulli.
We were eventually rewarded for our continued pressure as Dani Rodríguez played Gio Gonzalez through on goal before the right back pulled the ball back for Muriqi who made no mistake from a few yards out in the 32nd minute.
The whistle blew for half-time with us heading into the dressing room with a slender advantage.
The hosts came out flying after the restart and had a handful of chances as Chukwueze came closest to levelling with an effort that was inches wide of the post.
The Nigerian continued to trouble us and hit the woodwork in the 74th minute with a curling strike from the edge of the box.
We hit back against the run of play to double our lead as Amath produced an unstoppable half volley from the edge of the box having been first to react to Muriqi’s knockdown in the 75th minute
The forward’s strike was the final noteworthy act of the game as we headed back to the island with an important three points.
RCD Mallorca: Rajkovic, Gio, Valjent, Nastasić, Copete, Jaume Costa; Baba (Grenier, 92’); Galarreta (Battaglia, 86’), Dani Rodríguez (Antonio Sánchez, 72’), Kang In Lee (Amath, 72'), Muriqi (Abdon, 86’).
