Salva Sevilla’s first-half goal was the difference against FC Cartagena as we got out pre-season training camp off to a winning start.
Luis García continued to heavily rotate his side to give as many minutes to players as possible as 22 members of the travelling squad featured throughout the fixture.
We wouldn’t have to wait too long for the game’s only goal as Salva Sevilla struck in the 17th minutes after new signing Pablo Maffeo had teed him up following a marauding run forward.
With Abdón in self isolation, Dani Rodríguez found himself the central point of attack and continued to cause problems for FC Cartagena by dropping deep and combining with the Victor Mollejo and Lago Junior.
The Segunda Division team finished the half the stronger side as Boateng fired over the bar from close range before we headed into the break with a slender lead.
The opening exchanges of the second half remained cagey and we would have to wait until the 60th minute before our next clear opportunity. Salva Sevilla’s whipped free-kick into the box saw Martin Valjent climb highest, although the centre back’s attempt proved to be fruitless.
As time ebbed away, we almost doubled our lead through the introduction of academy graduate Thomas Giaquinto, before Ortuño almost scored a late leveller.
The scoreline remained the same after a flurry of chances in the dying embers of the game as our stay in Benidorm got off to a winning start.
RCD Mallorca: Manolo Reina (78'), B. Oliván (56'), Russo (78'), Valjent (78'), Maffeo (46'), Baba (46'), R. De Galarreta (56'), Salva Sevilla (66'), Mollejo (78'), Dani Rodríguez (66'), Lago Júnior (46')
Substitutes: Leo Román (78'), Sastre (46'), Febas (56'), Mboula (46'), Cufré (56'), Sedlar (46'), Javi Llabrés (78'), Tovar (66'), Thomas (66'), Ibra (78'), Gayà (78')
Goals: Salva Sevilla, 1-0 (17')
